$10 do-it-yourself, 7-day "Minx" Mani/Pedi!

I'm not a huge fan of running to get a mani/pedi done at a salon because I never feel like they do a better job than I can do myself. I mean, for pampering reasons, sure, but I don't need to go to a salon. Plus I've always been self-sufficient and experimental in that department, back in high school I remember doing my nails with small dots all over them, each dot one by one. Not exactly the quickest, but back then I had a lot of time, lol! Now I don't, so I was glad to discover and try Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips back in February or so.  They come in solid fluorescent colors, glitter and art designs...23 strips to choose from, each around $9.99! Because my nails are short, I am able to use the remainder of the strip on my toes! Because these aren't stickers but actual nail polish, you have to work fast and do it all in one shot before it dries out.  Once you open the sealed package, air is already invading and drying it up.  My toenails last longer than my fingers though and I tend to have to do my nails in regular nail polish until my toes start looking like they need to be done.  I am currently wearing Fly With Me, but I've tried Misbehaved and Collide-o-Scope (on my cruise in March, yay!) The Laced Up design is always sold out and Frock Star has been on my radar for a while now. They claim it lasts 10 days, but for me around the 7th day they start looking pretty bad. Certain designs look worse quicker than others. Like Fly With me has a white background, so it shows imperfections quicker. My toenails last more than two weeks. They say it's a breeze to remove, but I find it takes a little longer than removing regular nail polish, but it's no biggie.





I know, I'm brave to put up this pic! As you can see, it is starting to fade and crack, but this is after 2 weeks!


These strips are really a simple to apply, just follow the instructions. I wouldn't recommend applying in a really cold/breezy room as it will dry them out quicker.  You don't need a base or top coat and it literally takes about 20mins, if so much, to do both your hands and feet. Your nails aren't wet or anything, so after the 20 mins, you're all set and ready to go.  No smudging! You can even experiment and do some nails with the design and others with regular nail polish or mix and match strips. You should definitely try them out!

They now have a Designer Collection that I can't wait to try. Don't Get Catty looks HAWT! ;) There are 5 designs total in this collection.

Tip: A lot of drugstores have BOGO 1/2 off or free, be on the lookout and stock up!  The last time I got Fly With Me and the Salon Manicure nail polish that I spoke about in my last post from Rite Aid, paid about $13 for both.   

My Nail Polish This Week, July 4th

Avon's Nailwear Pro Nail Enamel in the color Jade (two coats), on sale for $1.99. It is comparable to Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure. I've tried both, the Sally Hansen's is a thicker so you may not need two coats.

"Up to 10-day wear.* High-gloss shine. Salon-quality precision brush. No formaldehyde, toluene or phthalates. .4 fl. oz.
*With normal touch-ups."

If it lasts 10 days? Not on me, but they claim that it only does with normal touch-ups, which I tend not to do, I just wipe it off and do it over.

No base coat or top coat needed, but I learned to always use a base coat. This time I am using Avon NAIL EXPERTS Lemon Fortifier. I have the Sally Hansen in Fairy Teal and I didn't use a base coat and when I removed it, there were still traces of color on the sides of my fingers and it was a pain to completely get rid of it. 

Tip: bring your own nail polish when you go to get your nails done, at least you can use it to touch up when needed. When you buy the polish they use in the salon, it usually costs more than if you were to buy it at a drugstore or anywhere else ;) Essie and OPI doesn't always mean the best. Yes, they are great (with fun names!), but a lot of drugstore brands are just as comparable. Give them a try!

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Target Boots!

Target is not playing around in the "good style for less" department. Check out these boots, before you know it, Fall will be here so you have to start shopping! I literally went through all 270 pairs of boots on the Target website and didn't see them. I had my son with me when I took this pic so I couldn't hunt down the name and price. We all know how "organized" the shoe dept can be at Target ;) I'll be on the look-out.

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Karen's Body Beautiful & Huetiful Event

In one of my previous posts, I mentioned that I was going to this event. It was from 12-4pm. I got there a little after one to a couple people in the store milling around. It wasn't by any means a presentation, very informal and laid back, you check out the products, if you have a question, just approach someone (if they don't approach you first ;) ) Huetiful was all set up with a couple steamers going for you to see and/or try out, one with the facial attachment, which was something I was interested in. Really a nice looking unit. Very light in weight and easy to put together and take apart. The box is the size of a regular bonnet hair dryer box. The steamer height isn't adjustable, but I've read that it isn't a huge problem for most women. To put it back into the box, you have to dismantle it, but it's literally one step and shouldn't cause too much stress in your life. If you have the space, you can leave it up, it's not a bulky item at all. Their PR rep, Myleik, was so sweet and approached me as soon as I walked in. She did a mini demo and explained how the actual unit worked and even took it apart for me. Huetiful is a black-owned business based in Atlanta, GA and Ken, the owner, was very nice and helpful and told me/us a little bit about how he got started. His main goal was to cater to the many different hues (shades) of women and it was very important to him that his product was actually something that women would find useful. Hence why before it was even released, he had some of the top natural hair bloggers/vloggers try it out, even the most critical of them. They gave it rave reviews. Needless to say, I bought one, but I planned to even before getting there. It's definitely not a small purchase, but they did have a discount and you saved about 20+ dollars and I'm all about supporting black-owned businesses if I can and if their product claims to help me out as well, even better. They'll be shipping out everyone's order on Tuesday. I thought we'd be getting it right then and there and had big plans to steam my hair tomorrow (Sunday), but he explained that a lady practically almost got jumped the last time he did that. Thinking about it, that was probably better because at least they didn't have a limited amount where you would feel like you had to race to the store to get one and would be disappointed if you didn't. You get 45 days to try out the product and decide if we want to return it. If you do, Huetiful will pay for the shipping. He said that no has abused that by returning it on the 45th day and about 2% of purchases actually end being returned. If you keep the steamer, you have a 1-year manufacturer's warranty. I mentioned that I had a 3 year old and that topic came up quick! Apparently their customer service is very helpful if you have any questions or issues. While I was there, a little over an hour, quite a few women came in to purchase one which was nice to see. We were on a mission, plus who doesn't like a sale ;)

Ken and I

Myleik and I

Steamers in boxes for display

Steamers in Action

This was also my first time at KBB and I must say, it's a nice store. The owner, Karen, is so sweet and soft-spoken, such a contrast to myself, ha! She also has the most amazing 'fro (a nice full combed out twist-out). She was very helpful and you can tell that she's gotten to the point where she doesn't have to shove her product down your throat. She knows she has great products and leaves the decision to you, no pressure. She explained quite a few things about natural haircare in general that was quite informative and recommended what product you would need based on your hair. And she asks before touching your hair. She had an employee that was so pleasant and helpful as well, of course her name slipped my mind because I always think I'll remember people's names and I don't. She had very short natural hair (if she or Karen happens to read this, you were great!) I love the fact that they are literally making products in front of you in the kitchen. I mean a stove, pots and spoons were going on. I went there planning to only buy the hair growth serum/oil, and ended up getting Sweet Ambrosia (their best seller) as well, in the Pomegranate Guava fragrance. I figure it would compliment my KBB Creamy Coco Mango hair oil which I love ;)

Karen and myself

Crystal, a YouTube Vlogger and hair stylist and myself

Kitchen area

Avon Campaign 14 Orders due tonight by Midnight!

So glad summer is officially here!
 
Here are my brochures for you to flip through:
http://shop.avon.com/shop/brochure.aspx?dept=brochure


Some new fashion:


Printed Maxi Dress 
Plunging V-neckline with halter straps that tie behind the neck. Banded empire waist. Polyester/spandex. Machine wash and dry. Imported.
S(6-8), M(10-12), L(14-16), XL(18)
Brochure: $29.99 

One-Shoulder Dress 
Asymmetrical neckline with ties at the shoulder. Polyester/spandex. Machine wash and dry. Imported.
S(6-8), M(10-12), L(14-16), XL(18)
Brochure: $24.99

Paisley Printed Top
Scoop neck with eyelet trim. 3/4 bell sleeves. Polyester/georgette. Machine wash and dry. Imported.
S(6-8), M(10-12), L(14-16), XL(18-20)
Brochure: $24.99

mark GRAPHIC PRINT DRESS
• Elastic bands at waist and across back
• Open V-shaped back
• Sleeves feature pleated detail
• Slit pockets on skirt
• 33" from center back to hem (measurement taken from size medium)
• 100% viscose. Imported.
small (sizes 3-5), medium (sizes 7-9), large (sizes 11-13), x-large (size 15), xx-large (size 17)
magalog: $32.00 

Embellished Micro Wedge Sandal
Metallic leatherlike double straps with faux braids and rhinestone embellishments. 3/4" micro wedge. Skid-resistant sole.
Whole sizes 6M-10M
Half sizes, order one size up.
Brochure: intro special $24.99 
Will be $29.99

Makeup


GLAZEWEAR Duo Reflect Lip Gloss 
Swirls of pearl reflect light for a two-tone effect. .15 oz. net wt.
Brochure: intro special $2.99 
Will be $6.00

in the shade Rose Hues

mark JUICE GEMS SQUEEZE ON LIP GLOSS (not new, but my fav everyday gloss in the shade FIG)
• A high-shine tinted gloss in 8 different fruity flavors
• Imparts sheer color
• Contains real fruit extract with moisturizing properties to soften lips
• Special formula evens out shine for a perfectly glazed "wet" look
• 0.5 fl. oz.
magalog: $6.50

mark GOT TO GLOW GRADUAL GLOW BODY MOISTURIZER LOTION SPF 15 
• Daily moisturizer enhances skin tone with gradual, buildable color
• Imparts a healthy, radiant glow
• Contains radiance-boosting skin conditioners and subtle shimmer
• Non-streaking, quick-drying formula
• Leaves skin soft and scented with hints of citrus and passion fruit
• 6.7 fl. oz.
light-medium, medium-dark
magalog: $14.00

Nail Buffer and Shaper 
Remove tough calluses and hardened skin to reveal summer-ready feet. High/low speed-setting options. Takes one 9-volt battery (not included). Plastic. 6 3/4" L.
Item#: 978-336
Brochure: intro special $9.99 
Will be $12.00

Accessories


White Braided Wrap Watch  (I love this watch, I'm wearing it now!)
Goldtone case, trendy large numbers. Double-wrap, braided leather-like strap. 15" L.
Item#: 969-589
Brochure: intro special $19.99 
Will be $29.99

mark OUT OF LINE EARRINGS 
• Burnished silvertone teardrop-shaped earrings with gray faux pearls
• Fish-hook posts
• 3" L.
Item#: 184-715
magalog: $16.00 

When you order from my website, it gets delivered anywhere in the US! http://www.youravon.com/khinkson
Use **free shipping code FS30REP** if your order is over $30 before taxes!


Email me if you have any questions or orders, kifana_fashion@yahoo.com.


Thank-you,
Kifana

My Thursday Shoes 06/30/11

Chinese Laundry peep-toe patent in yellow, navy and grey. Heel is navy.

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My hair today

Did a blow-out last night.

Washed with SheaMoisture's Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
Conditioned with SheaMoisture's Yucca & Baobab Volumizing Conditioner (smells great!)
Deep Condish: Aussie Moist 3 Minute Miracle (has a 'cone)
Oil: Karen's Body Beautiful Heavenly Jojoba Oil
Leave-In: Oyin Hair Dew
Protectant: Avon's Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield Anti-Frizz Treatment (has 'cones galore)

I don't normally load up the 'cones, but they do coat the hair shaft which is great for protecting when applying heat.

I used my Conair Ion Shine blowdryer, medium heat and power. The design of it, I can't use a comb attachment unless I tape it up, so I just used a regular wide tooth comb, then one with smaller teeth. I pinned aside my bangs and voila!


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