Review- Obliphica Hair Serum Treatment (obliphica.com)

A unique serum produced from the Obliphica fruit (also known as the Sea Buckthorn Berry), known for its wonderful effect on hair and skin. Rich in vitamins, with an especially large proportion of natural Vitamin E, Obliphica Serum restores damaged hair, brings back the luster to your hair, and makes combing a breeze. It can be used before or after blow-drying, on damp or dry hair. The effect of using Obliphica hair serum is proven and immediate.

This item is, hands down, my favorite all time hair treatment ever used, ever in the entire time my teensy head of hair has been on this planet. SERIOUSLY. It's not easy to find, (click on the header of this entry to find a store), but it's worth it. My hair has been, (as below in my Hair Date review) semi-fried and mangled as of late by triple+ bleaching and then redying brown trying to reach my natural color. When I started using this Serum after I received a sample at the International Beauty Show (several months ago), I began harassing Hillary to find me more and to find out where people can get this stuff. After digging, we've found it online. I can hear people now saying, REALLY? 20-something dollars for 4 ounces? But let me tell you, I got a sample that was under 1 oz, and it has lasted me for at least 4 months and there is still about 80% left in the bottle! (using with literally every wash of my hair). I'm telling you, it's so worth it. Since the first time I used the Obliphica treatment, my hair went from sort of scraggly and fighting against style to laying nice, shiny and frizzlessly atop my head doing everything I'd hoped it would ever do. You know those obnoxious hair product commercials where the girl has computer-enhanced super mega shiny hair and you're thinking "YEA RIGHT!!"? My hair feels that shiny and nice!
Alas, no, my hair didn't magically turn into something it could never have been before, but now it behaves. And by behaves I mean, it doesn't dry out, frizz out, or get dull and sad looking on me. I feel like I can trust this product in my hair under any conditions. The only time I've needed to call in back up was one day of literal 85% humidity here in NYC, torrentially downpouring, when I dabbed on a bit of frizz-proof serum after 7+hours of being stuck in the city-sauna fuzzin-ating my hair. This was after 3 months of use, and was absolutely the only time I needed another product. I also hadn't washed my hair in 2 days and hadn't therefore applied this product in 2 days.
So, If you hate using multiple products or do not have the money for buckets of fancy cleansers and treatments, buy THIS. I feel like it's *almost* magical. No matter the insanity I have subjected my hair to in the past 3 months... it's bounced back and looks strangely smug about having survived.

Review- Arrojo Volume Foam

LIGHTWEIGHT AND VOLUMIZING TO LIFT, THICKEN, AND SUPPORT ALL HAIR TYPES, AND ESPECIALLY LIMP OR LIFELESS HAIR. A GREAT FOUNDATION PRODUCT WHEN STYLING LONG HAIR. SIZE: 125 ML. / 4.2 FL. OZ. $15


When it comes to hair, my philosophy tends to be the bigger, the better. And this Arrojo Volume Foam did not disappoint. Usually whenever I try volumizing products, my hair often ends up much flatter and heavier instead. Not so with this Arrojo foam. It is light enough to uphold even the flimsiest of hairs, and does provide the fullness, bounce, and volume as promised. Be warned though, because you will get big hair. Which is in many ways a good thing! I do have long hair, and the more I used the product to cover all strands, the more it lifted all areas. And if it works on me, I have no doubt it will work for others, as I have very, very stubborn hair. My only concern is that it seemed to have dried out my hair a little, so I had to add a small layer of hair silkener/serum to smoothen out my locks. For the volume itself, I will say it is definitely worth it. Big hair and all!

Review- Shea Moisture Raw Organic Body Lotion

Historical references to Shea Butter, a staple of African pharmacology, date back to the reported Shea Butter caravans of Cleopatra's Egypt. Frankincense, known for its toning and anti-aging properties, also as aromatherapeutic benefits, promoting mental strenght. Myrrh, a superior cosmetic ingredient in ancient remedies, can be dated to an Ebers papyrus (circa 1580BC) recipe for a facial mask.

I bought a bottle of this frankincense and myrrh scented body lotion off the cuff from Duane Reade (the major drug store chain in NYC, for those that don't know) without knowing anything about it, or having ever heard of the company. I have tried all natural raw shea butter in the past from street vendors with good results, but I found it hard to store/use (or, if I found a suitable organic version in a store, I found it to be WAY too expensive!). I'm really impressed with the body lotion so far and now plan on going back and trying a few other products by the Shea Moisture company that I also saw on the shelf. The lotion absorbs really fast with no sticky/greasy feeling and has a beautiful natural scent that lingers just long enough to sooth your senses. I've been putting this on all week before bed, especially on my beat up feet, and other than the faithful almond oil I use on my skin, this is the best moisturizer for my feet and hands that I've found to date. I highly recommend it for sun-affected skin also.

From reading the product bottle, it seems the company has a long family history in the beauty and natural body product business and I like to support small businesses and those that create products in balance with the environment and the world in general! For those interested, their website has the whole story of the businesses' humble beginnings.

Review- Hair Date Salon in New York City (East Village)

Packed among high priced/high end salons in the East Village is a great spot to have a very satisfying high end experience at a very low price! I have never written about a salon or stylist on Beautifile before because I have bounced around from place to place trying to find the right combination of customer service, attention to detail, expertise and price. Let's put it this way, in the past I've paid four times the amount elsewhere and received about one-fifth of the service at best... sadly... But now I am a dedicated client of Hair Date. My boyfriend has been to see Veronica (proprietor of Hair Date) on many occasions, even before she opened this salon. He has consistently returned to her for every hair cut since he's moved to New York, and I can see why.*

I spoke to Veronica several weeks ago while she cut his hair about wanting to do something drastic with my look. I've spent the past five years with jet blue-black home-dyed hair and I was ready for a change. What I really wanted was something close enough to my natural color that I could grow it out with no roots. Several master colorists told me this feat was impossible, that I would either have to grow my hair out (and suffer the nightmare of two-tone hair for 6+ months) or cut it brutally short. They told me horror stories of bald patches and hair with the consistency of a brillo pad. Needless to say, I was really depressed about being stuck with black hair. On top of this, in the past I'd had a bad salon coloring experience that left my hair bright orange and my brain SHOCKED, so I was feeling stuck. I decided to talk to Veronica about my dilemma and she was so knowledgeable! She suggested stripping as much color as possible and using a semi-permanent dye to reach as close to my natural color as possible, and assured me that it could be done with minimal damage. After talking this over with her I felt confident in her work, and as soon as some roots showed, I made my appointment.

I really wish I had a great camera to show everyone some amazing before-after photos (and maybe I can update later when I get some good outdoor lighting to show the detail), because while I spent a good few hours terrified my hair would fry off my head, I left with a nice natural looking highlighted brown color. What I was told was impossible by others came out fantastic, I couldn't have asked for a better outcome. My hair is even touchably soft, when I thought it would end up being as dried out as bale of hay. Not only was the color work great, but Veronica also trimmed my hair (and my super fussy bangs-from-hell) and gave it the exact amount of body I wanted.

There are so many fun/cool/awesome things about this salon that I can't possible cover them all in this little entry. For a few, the shampoos are amazing and sudsy and feel grrrreat. The space is insanely clean and organized. It's also aesthetically beautiful and crisp looking inside with an awesome birch branch accent in the manicure area. The space is quiet, comfortable and relaxing. Every employee is extremely friendly, no pretentiousness or snobbery. When I candidly told Veronica that I have a skin condition that sometimes causes my scalp to blister and peel, they took amazing extra measures to protect my scalp and to painstakingly work around the delicate areas on my head that could be damaged. The prices are ridiculously reasonable (see below) and the attention you receive is amazing (you even get a little shoulder massage!). Everyone came in with a smile and left with a bigger smile. I felt like I was fawned over and well taken care of. I would recommend this salon to anyone, you'll leave as a dedicated client and with a wad of extra cash in your pocket to spend on other fun things!

See below for the Hair Date website for full information and prices, but for now here is a brief list of the prices for a few select things they offer:
Hair cut: $45-60
Bang trim: $10
Color retouch: $75
Single process: $85+
Gloss: $30
Body perm: $85-150
(these are obviously subject to change over time)

Hair Date is located at 329 Bowery (between 2nd & 3rd street) in Manhattan. (212)228-8381 website here
Business hours: 7 days per week, 11 am - 9 pm

I highly recommend anyone looking for a new cut (or dye, or perm, or manicure!) stop by Hair Date and give them a try. I don't think you will be disappointed. This is a true find in NYC.

(*if you dig carefully, you will see his picture on their website!)

Review- Jack Black Lemon & Chamomile Lip Balm

Not just any lip balm! Field-tested in extreme conditions and containing ultra-moisturizing shea butter, this is the formula if you want the best all-around lip balm in the world. $7 for a 0.25oz tube.


I first discovered Jack Black's lip balm after greeting my boyfriend one day after work. After a big huge and kiss, I noticed he smelled curiously lemony. "What were you doing that made you smell like lemons?" I asked. He replied cryptically, "Making lemonade." Well I later discovered that his real secret was Jack Black's Lemon & Chamomile Lip Balm, with SPF 25. The rich lip balm is chock full of super moisturizing agents like shea butter, and Vitamin E, and the SPF really protects your lips from harsh sun rays. Jack Black's products are usually marketing towards men, which is why I had never heard of this amazing product, but I absolutely love it. And at only $7, its a tiny investment for a quality product. A little bit goes a long way, and keeps your lips super soft all day. It also doesn't compete with your regular lip gloss or lipstick, so you can layer it underneath for added moisture. Needless to say, my boyfriend's tube has mysteriously disappeared, wink wink.

Review - Three Custom Color Frangipani Sheer Lipstick

Vivid fuchsia with gold sparkle that can be worn soft or bold. The award-winning sheer lipstick formula delivers buildable coverage and rich moisture in a smooth, balm-like texture.

Sooooo....If you live in the North East you have had a really rainy summer. Like, everyday for months..... My only redemption this summer was getting this Three Custom Color Frangipani Lipstick. It is like a breath of Warm, balmy, summer air, when there isn't any anywhere else! It is sheer, and bright and in your face! It lasts a really long time, which for me is probably four hours at most, and luckily when it wears off it does it evenly and smoothly. Really I loved this lipstick, and I am 100% a lipgloss kind of girl! The only tiny tiney little problem I have is that it smells and tastes weird. Kind of like a vitamine E stick, but old. I sound like a complainer, I'm not. I love the lipstick, everything about it but that! Actually it does make it easier not to eat it off your lips, so I guess thats another plus! Anyways, get it. I love the company, I love the concept, I'm so jealous of Hillary for getting to meet them, just be aware the lipsticks might smell kind of strange.....

Review- Three Custom Color Specialists Clarifier Eye Pencil

Our one of a kind Clarifier pencils are used on the inner rim of the eye to brighten and widen. As a rule, Light is great for fair-medium skin tones and Dark is great for medium-dark skin tones, but many of our clients have both - Dark for subtle definition and Light for more drama. Clarifiers are also great for highlighting under the brow and as a spot concealer in a pinch! $16.50

Oh, how I love this pencil! Please, don't get me started. I tried to show the amazing difference it makes in one's eyes to some non-makeup friends & they totally ignored me until I later cornered one and made her look at the before and after & even she was impressed. This pencil makes you look like you got the perfect amount of sleep and you are alert and on the ball. If it's possible for a pencil to make me look more attentive and less my A.D.D. self (yes, I really have it, no need to write in) I am %100 for it. And this pencil doesn't give you that weird newscaster look like when they line newspeople's eyes with white or light blue, line the inside of your lower lid with this baby & no one will be able to put a finger on why you look at your perky best. Seriously- I recommend this pencil for absolutely everyone! Only bad side- they're out of stock on the dark & don't know when it will be back for sure. Even if you don't ordinarily line your lower, inner eyelids (I generally don't) this adds a special something to your eyes and even with contacts I've experienced no discomfort or problems. All you fair to medium toned girls- order this now! You'll find it to be one of the best $16.50 purchases you could make with your beauty dollar.

Review- Garnier Fructis Wonder Waves! Shampoo and Conditioner

Not straight, not curly... Your wavy hair is totally unique and can have a life of its own! Wave goodbye to ordinary shampoos -- now, introducing the first unique collection for wavy hair from Garnier Fructis: Wonder Waves! With Active Fruit Concentrate and lightweight moisturizers, Wonder Waves Shampoo tames frizz for controlled, smooth waves. Hair is up to 5x stronger, up to 5x smoother and so much shinier.* The result? Beautiful, full flowing waves that keep frizz away with all-day wave definition. $7 each for 13oz.

Oh Garnier, you smell sublime. I didn't notice anything in my waves that looked "wonderful" or "wondrous" (though I did notice less flyaways at the crown of my head) but this combo smells like a dream. And not just in the shower but after my hair dried and even a day later. I hear my stylist in my ear whispering a reminder that shampoo and conditioner can be purchased at the any price point and be fabulous.

Review- Arrojo Frizz Control

Moisture-rich and anti-oxidizing to leave all curly hair frizz and tangle free. Adds smoothness, control, and shine to all hair types. 1.7 fl. oz.= $7 4.2 fl. oz.= $15

The other day I was listening to the news on the radio in the shower and the weatherman said it was %95 humidity out. I was sure I was going to look like a poorly groomed Pomeranian. I decided to put Arrojo Frizz Control to the ultimate test. I put about a nickel-sized amount through my long hair, concentrating on the frizziest bits. Much to my surprise, my hair looked as in control and smooth as if it were %0 humidity. And the best part was that the effects lasted all day- no midday pony tail to look half human. The only drawback I saw is that I must have used too much in my bangs because they looked- not oily, per se- but not washed at the end of my long day. For that reason, I would recommend going easy with this product if your hair tends to get oily, but I still think you could use it sparingly. Since this is perhaps the wettest summer in NYC history, I will be turning to this product again and again.

My Meeting w/ Chad of Three Custom Color Specialists

I recently had the great opportunity to get a tour of the offices of the cosmetics company Three Custom Color Specialists. Needless to say, I was psyched. I got to spend some time with Chad Hayduk who is one of the "3" in Three Custom Color. As we stood in front of a desk holding a huge array of make-up on a department store type display, he explained to me that it only represents a small fraction of the colors that TCC actually makes. They actually make over 300 color cosmetics not including the thousands of custom creations in their repetoire. If you want it, they've got it. Honestly, I didn't know that any one company made that many colors. I also found out that in addition to making custom blended lip color, they can also make custom blended Eye Shadow, Tinted Brow Gel, Brow Powder, Creme-to-Powder Blush, Pressed Powder Blush, Creme Concealer, Pressed Face Powder and Loose Face Powder. I was salivating just at the thought of it! Chad was nice enough to let me have some fun and we made a custom blended lipstick just for me! The photo above is of the raw colors before we started mixing.
I had originally wanted a new tube of a discontinued lipstick I brought with me, but Chad thought it was too "greyish" for me and wanted to make a whole new color. We ended up with a gorgeous black cherry color; not too cherry, just enough black. It may sound dramatic, but for some reason it's totally wearable. It is, however, on hold until it's fall unveiling. It is not really a summer color (yes, I'm chomping at the bit. I visit it in my makeup drawer every so often). The best part- ok one of the best parts- is I got to choose the finish. It's perfectly matte. My favorite!When you have a lipstick made at Three Custom Color, not only can you choose the color, but you can choose the finish. "This must cost a fortune" you're saying. Not so. It's only $55 for 2 tubes of lipstick (plus shipping). Break it down & that's $27.50 per tube for your very own favorite color. You can't beat that. And I had my creation in about 3 days. This is something that everyone should do at least once. But much like the chip ad says, I can't just have one and I can't wait for my birthday to go back and make a new shade! I have to say thanks so much to Chad and Tess for giving me this special treat!