AXE Buzzed Look Cream + SPF 15: Review and Giveaway!

Y'all know military-inspired fashion has been hitting up the runways, but the trend isn't exclusive for women's fashion - men can get in on it, too!  And what look better exemplifies the military trend than a buzz cut?  However, this low-maintenance style can leave the tops of guys' heads exposed to harmful rays from the sun, leading to sunburning and peeling - which is not comfortable or attractive.

That's why AXE introduced one of its newest products to hit the market: Buzzed Look Cream + SPF 15.

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John Frieda giveaway

This week was all about John Frieda product reviews, and now it's time for a giveaway!  Over the course of the past five days, six fabulous products have been featured, and now you have a chance to win them all, courtesy of John Frieda!*

Here are the products up for grabs...

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Guest Review: John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray

Happy Friday!  Jenni here from Engineered Style.  Thanks for joining me on the last day of John Freida reviews on Splendiferous Inclinations!  I blog from the perspective of an engineer, constantly looking for ways to re-engineer my style and life, while meeting the constraints of work on a construction jobsite.  I was delighted when Jessica gave me the opportunity to try out this new John Frieda lightening product.  My work outfits may require long pants and closed toe shoes, but my hair can be any color, length or style that I please!

Several months ago, I decided to brighten up my dark blond hair with highlights.  I haven't done anything since, so I have some faint lines about 2"-3" from my scalp...I like to think of it as my own version of an "ombre" look (ha!).  Here is a glimpse...Check out the rest >>

Review: John Frieda Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight

I love having curly hair, but every now and then I like to change up my look by styling my hair straight.  However, in the past, this meant straightening my hair multiple times a week to maintain my look.  When I first heard about John Frieda's Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight Semi-Permanent Styling Spray, I was anxious to see if it would live up to its name.  Admittedly, I was quite skeptical, especially since the Texas humidity often destroys a straight 'do by the end of the day.

Imagine my surprise when the product actually did perform excellently!  

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Review: John Frieda Luxurious Volume Anytime Hair Refresher

Next in line for my week of John Frieda reviews is Luxurious Volume Anytime Hair Refresher.  Let me start off by saying that I love dry shampoo, and this is one of the best ones I've tried.  What I like so much about it is that it helps eliminate oil between washes, but it also revives volume in hair.  My hair tends to fall limp after a couple days without a wash, but this product really adds some much needed body.  Just spray onto roots and style.  That easy.

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Review: John Frieda Touch-up Flyaway Tamer

Yesterday, I talked about the shampoo and conditioner from John Frieda's Full Repair line.  Today, I'll be reviewing another product from the line: Touch-up Flyaway Tamer.  John Frieda's website describes the product this way: "Crystal-clear formula with Inca Inchi Oil weightlessly smoothes flyaways and frayed ends to keep full-bodied styles perfectly polished.  Ideal for on-the-go touch-ups and boosting shine."  I must say, the product actually works exactly as described.

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Review: John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo and Conditioner

I have been using the Full Repair Shampoo and Conditioner together since I received them at the John Frieda Salon Tour, and I have been pretty impressed.  The shampoo cleans hair very effectively without over-drying, and following up with the conditioner has left my hair silky soft.  Usually, I don't style my hair with too much heat, but I've been straightening my hair more often lately.  This system has helped keep my split ends under wraps, and my hair does not look or feel dry at all.  Also, I don't like to use shampoos and conditioners that have a strong floral or fruity fragrance, and this system has a wonderful clean, fresh smell that I love.

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Calling all blondes

Remember when I mentioned in my post about the John Frieda Salon Tour that I plan to review several JF products and then host a giveaway?  Well I need your help with one product!

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John Frieda Salon Tour in Dallas

Today I attended the John Frieda Salon Tour in Dallas at the Shops at Park Lane.  I received a phenomenal hair transformation, courtesy of one of the JF stylists on the tour, and learned a lot about JF products.  Overall, I had a fantastic time!

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John Frieda Salon Tour

I wanted to let all my Dallas-area readers know about the John Frieda Salon Tour that's going on at the Shops at Park Lane this weekend.  Come Friday or Saturday for a FREE hair consultation and transformation - should be fun!  I'll be there tomorrow!

As the tour continues, it will be stopping at other cities across the country, as well.  To see if it's making its way to your neck of the woods or to find out more information, just click here.

Tutorial Tuesday: Cascarone inspired nails

This week's tutorial will show you how to paint your nails in a way inspired by a Mexican staple during this time of year: cascarones.

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Tutorial Tuesday: At-home facial

It's time for another video!

I have this Tutorial Tuesday feature idea, and this is my first shot at it.  Let me know what you think!

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March favorites

FBFF: Beauty Products

This week's FBFF questions are all about beauty products!

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Putting your best brows forward

The shape of a woman's eyebrows can dramatically alter the ways she looks, but the above picture is what one of my brows looked like less than a week ago.

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Splendiferous secrets: Perfect pick-me-up

If you're like me, you may experience times of the day when you feel like you're dragging, or perhaps you wake up in the morning but still don't feel refreshed.

We all experience those times of the day when all we feel like doing is laying down and taking a snooze.  In a perfect world, we could stop what we're doing and take a little ciesta, but, alas, this fantasy land does not exist.  Although our bodies may be crying for a nap, we're not always able to satisfy its needs.

So what's a girl to do?  Soda?  Energy drink?  Coffee?  But how long will it be before the caffeine kick fails and you crash?

Here's my secret...



Total Energy Pulse Point Balm - The Body Shop - $16



The Body Shop carries a line of aromatherapy products, and the Total Energy Pulse Point Balm is one of my favorites.  When I feel the yawns coming on, I dab a little on my wrists and behind my ears, and voila!  I get a little pick-me-up.  Don't get me wrong - there's nothing like a long catnap, but this product gives me the little burst of energy that I need.  The scent is invigorating, and I definitely feel like I get a little boost.

What are your secrets for getting over the yawns?

image via thebodyshop.com

Splendiferous secrets: Brilliant lashes

I'm sure you've seen all the commercials for various products that promise to make your lashes fuller, longer, and more beautiful.  If you're like me, you've probably been a little skeptical of these magic serums.  However, before my June 2010 wedding, I decided to give one a shot: Loreal Lash Boosting Serum.

I continue to use the product, and I get compliments on my lashes all the time.  My eyelashes are naturally pretty long, but this adds some extra fullness and strength.  

You can use the product under mascara if you like, but I use it just once a day.  It's part of my nightly beauty routine before bedtime.  Once a day does it for me.

While different people will inevitably experience different results, I'm optimistic that you'll love this product as much as I do.

Click the image to shop for the lash boosting serum at loreal.com.

Splendiferous Secrets

This week, I want to share a fabulous skin tool I love: a blemish extractor.  We all deal with those pesky whiteheads and blackheads, and this tool allows you to extract the infection more safely and efficiently that picking with your fingers.

Here is the one I use:

ULTA Stainless Skin Clearing Tool
(image via ulta.com)

It's only $8, and right now ULTA products are buy 2 get 2 free!

You can also find similar products at other beauty stores, like Sephora.

It's important to use this tool properly.  Always cleanse the face and use steam or hot water to open the pores, and always disinfect the tool with rubbing alcohol.

The following YouTube video does a good job of outlining a good regimen for you using the extractor.

I don't use the same products as she does, but the method is about the same.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=7sT2nLRow00

Pumpkin face

Today I have abandoned my stylish ways and opted for a plush robe matched with cushy slippers.  


This was not what was supposed to happen today.  Not at all.  But, nevertheless, I have succumbed to a day off.


And it has been wonderful.


I planned to wake up [relatively] early and go to church, but, alas, I overslept.  Once I realized I had overslept, I felt there was no reason to rush out of bed.  So, I snuggled my puppy June in bed, while the hubby was stuck working a Sunday.  Poor Caleb.


Once I did get out of bed, I showered and put on my wonderfully comfy robe.  I had intended to get some Christmas shopping and errands done, but I have not been able to pry myself from the soft fabric of my favorite robe.  How productive of me.


I've been on the go a lot this past week, with finishing up school, hosting a Christmas party, and whatnot, so I figure I deserve a day off.


In the spirit of robe-lounging, though, I offer you a wonderful pumpkin facial recipe.  Have you ever made a pumpkin-infused goody and discovered that you only need 12 ounces of the 15 ounce pumpkin can?  This facial offers the perfect solution to prevent food waste, and I promise your skin will love it.


Mix the following ingredients together:


a few tablespoons of pumpkin (this does not have to be exact - just whatever is leftover or readily available)
2 tablespoons of honey
2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
1-2 teaspoons of brown sugar (you make the call)


Apply to face, and leave on for 10-15 minutes.  Resist licking off, rinse face, and pat dry.  It's that easy.


Pumpkin is full of antioxidants, and the edible ingredients mean this facial is great for your face and your taste buds.  Feel free to gobble down any remaining mixture as if it were cake batter.