LBS Beauty Review: MegaGrowth Detangling Conditioner + Giveaway

I'm back with another product review guys. This one is courtesy MegaGrowth. They sent me their complete collection of new products including their Pro-Growth Anti-Breakage collection.

There were so many different products in the lineup but since I'm still rocking my extensions and I'm sensitive about product overload, I decided to start small with their Anti-Breakage Detangling Conditioner.

There are so many different uses for a great conditioner so I thought that was a good start. You can use it as part of a pre-poo treatment, after shampoo or just for the purposes of detangling hair. And this collection was created for both relaxed and naturals, so that's a win.

So I started here with super dry and frizzy hair in dire need of detangling. I used the Anti-Breakage Detangling Conditioner as part of my pre-poo regimen. On weeks when I'm not co-washing my curls (both my natural leave-out and my Indique extensions), I start my regimen with a pre-poo. For this, I simply dampen my hair and run conditioner through it and then proceed to detangle my hair while it's damp (instead of soaking wet). I let it sit for 15 minutes, then I wash my hair in sections.

Before I do anything, I separate the hair into 4 even sections. It makes the detangling process so much easier and it assures that I get the product evenly all around the hair. When I have my full head of natural curls exposed, I actually do this in 6-8 sections since my hair is shorter than this.

I started the first section off by simply dampening the hair with lukewarm water.

I then applied the Anti-Breakage Detangling Conditioner, which has a thick creamy consistency (and smells really fruity too). I will say just a little bit of this product goes a LONG way. I didn't really need all of what I put in my hand for this one section so definitely use the product sparingly.

I started off by smoothing it onto my natural curls on top. It actually soaked into the hair really well and didn't leave any white residue.

Next, I proceeded to apply the conditioner to my Indique extensions. It gave the curls a nice shine and made the detangling process relatively easy. I started from the ends and worked my way up to the root. Again, to avoid buildup, I would suggest only using a dime-sized amount for each section.

Here's a closeup of how the hair (my natural curls and the extensions) looked after applying the MegaGrowth Anti-Breakage Detangling Conditioner.

Overall thoughts about the product: a) I love the smell and consistency b) Use sparingly! A little goes a long way c) Works great as a pre-poo treatment or simply as an affordable conditioner just for detangling the hair before or after shampoo.

Interested in trying out? MegaGrowth has agreed to give 5 lucky winners both their Anti-Breakage Detangling Conditioner as well as their Leave-In Strengthener to try out. Just enter your information below to be entered to win a set of products:

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Giveaway ends Friday, June 7th at 12AM EST. This review and product giveaway is sponsored by MegaGrowth. All opinions expressed herein are solely my own and not those of the company.

LBS Beauty Review: MAC RiRi Woo vs. Ruby Woo

You guys remember how hyped I was for the release of bad gyal Rihanna's very first lipstick collaboration with MAC Cosmetics, right? I practically had my shopping cart ready to go 24 hours before the grand premiere. I was one of the lucky hopefuls who scored a stick of Rihanna's MAC RiRi Woo greatness before it sold out online only hours before going on sale.

As a red lipstick fanatic, I'm obsessed with finding new ones to try and obsess over. And now that I have RiRi Woo in my beauty arsenal, here's a snapshot of the main differences I see between RiRi Woo and my absolute fave MAC Ruby Woo. Check out the review below:

So upon first glance, RiRi Woo looks VERY similar to MAC's classic Ruby Woo. It's a matte, highly pigmented red that works for a myriad of skin complexions. That's what drew me to the color originally - so many recommendations from women of different shades.

Looking at them side by side from afar they look basically identical. On the left is MAC RiRi Woo and on the right is my highly-used (I literally wear it almost daily) Ruby Woo stick.

Upon closer inspection though, you'll notice that RiRi Woo has a deeper tint with more bluish undertones. This works perfect for skin shades that are deeper because the color really comes through with a bold finish. Here's a swatch of the two on my skin:

Top: RiRi Woo, Bottom: Ruby Woo

Here you can see against my skin that RiRi Woo (top) is a little deeper with a bluish base. It has more of a sultry night-time feel to it.

 Next up, I took pictures in both colors. Here's how they look on (don't mind me coloring outside the lines lol):

Very subtle difference between the two that's barely noticeable but there's a difference for sure. So for those of you wondering which one works best for you (or whether to splurge on RiRi Woo once it comes back out later this summer), here's a snapshot of what they look like.

Wearing MAC Ruby Woo

I'm still obsessed with my Ruby Woo. I don't think anything can separate me from my first love.

Wearing MAC RiRi Woo

But I'll be rocking out with Rihanna's namesake this summer as well. I'll probably alternate between the two. For you lovelies of different skin complexions, here are links to some of my favorite fellow bloggers doing reviews of Ruby Woo vs. RiRi Woo debate:

For deeper-skinned beauties, check out Danielle of Style & Beauty Doctor 

The Glamazons also have a review featuring Glamazons Jessica and Margo

Caramel-skinned beauties, check out Melanie of OSoChic's review

Olive-skinned ladies, check out Marisa of You Had Me at Makeup

Would you purchase RiRi Woo? What are your red lip faves? Soundoff below!

Mother's Day Special Edition Glossybox Review

Happy Mother's Day everyone! For those of my readers who have children, I salute you today. It can't be easy raising children so you deserve all the love, pampering and special treatment in the world today.

One of my favorite beauty box subscription services, Glossybox, has a special edition Mother's Day box this month featuring a great combo of beauty products any mom would appreciate. In our LBS Gift Guide: Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts post I mentioned that Glossybox was a great option.

Here's what's inside:

I swear the chic packaging is what gets me. Even after crazy shipping & handling, the contents of the box remains neatly in tact.

Dive right into the contents below....

The Mother's Day box comes complete with Essie nail lacquer in Geranium, By Terry Cellularose Brightening Serum, Modelco Cheek + Lip Tint (nice 2-in-1 product for moms on the go), Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Mascara (for those long nights up with the kids when she needs her eyes to look bright the following morning), Biolage Exquisiteoil Replenishing Treatment (for a luxe hair treatment you can leave-in while finishing up house chores), Colorproof Crazysmooth Anti-Frizz Shampoo & Conditioner.

Great collection of products for the busy, beauty-obsessed Mama. Definitely a great gift idea (not just for moms either!)

Click here to buy your very own Glossybox Subscription

What did you lovelies get your Mom for Mother's Day? Mama, what did you receive? Let us know in the comments!

LBS Beauty Review: Karen's Body Beautiful + Giveaway

Ever since I went natural back in November 2010 (for the last & final time), I've been on the continuous hunt for products that treat my hair well without harsh chemicals or ingredients. One of my absolute favorite all-natural hair collections is Karen's Body Beautiful. I received a few of their samples in a goodie bag a few years ago and I've been a fan of the brand ever since. Once a small shop based out of Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, KBB's fans and consumer base have grown over the years due to their amazing product lineup.

So when KBB reached out and told me they were branching off into mega-retailer Target, I was beyond excited. Their products are now available in select Target stories nationwide. Major! Here's how I wash, condition & style my hair using Karen's Body Beautiful:

Step 1: Moisturize with Hair Blossom Moisture Mist

Starting off with dry hair, before attempting to shampoo & condition I first mist my hair with a moisturizing spray so I can lightly finger detangle. The moisture helps prevent breakage, especially on my ends.

Step 2: Detangle hair and twist hair in even sections

I normally stick to 8 twists (4 on each side) and I shampoo my lightly detangled hair in these sections. If they unravel, I just retwist after conditioning.

Step 3: Shampoo in sections

I like to cocktail different products with my regimen. So to start off, I clarify with a clarifying shampoo and follow up with a moisturizing shampoo. Next, it's time to deep condition!

Step 4: Deep Condition with Luscious Locks Hair Mask

This might be one of my absolute favorite deep conditioners. With all-natural ingredients like Aloe Butter, Jojoba Oil, Rosemary Oil and Vitamin E, this stuff smells & feels like heaven on my hair.

Step 5: Rinse & apply Sweet Ambrosia Leave-In Conditioner

This is another KBB must-have. It's great as part of a weekly wash regimen but also works wonders on refreshing dry curls when they need a pick-me-up. It also smells like heaven in a bottle.

Step 6: Seal in moisture with Super Duper Hydrating Hair Cream

One of the things I've learned along my natural journey is that moisture don't last always! You have to seal it in with either an oil or a butter after applying leave-in condish. If not, your curls will undoubtedly be brittle before you know it. Trust me, I know.

Step 7: Style using Hold It Hair Gel w/ Argan Oil

Next, I two-strand twisted my hair using the Hold It Hair Gel. Formulated with Argan Oil, Aloe Vera and Hydrolized Silk Proteins, it sets a style and nourishes hair at the "same damn time". This gel is super light and allows for flexible hold. If you want to set your style without the "crunchy" effect, this is a great gel styler.

Step 8: Air dry & release twists using Butter Love

Final step! I placed a dime-sized amount of the Butter Love in between my palms when taking down my twists to keep the curl pattern in tact and to add an extra layer of moisture.

Volia! Verdict is in - my curls love some Karen's Body Beautiful! 

Because I love them so much, I'm giving one of you a chance to win a FULL SET of KBB products, the same ones I used above. Instructions below:

Rules
1. You must be following LoveBrownSugar on Facebook and/or Twitter to be eligible.
2. You must be a fan of Karen's Body Beautiful on Facebook to be eligible.
2. Leave a comment in the section below.
3. For bonus entry, tweet @LoveBrownSugar @KarensBeautiful with a link to this post.

 

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LBS Beauty: My Top 3 Winter Lip Shades

Last week, I posted about my Winter Lip Care Regimen and I promised that I would also do a post about my favorite lip shades this season. You guys know I love a red lip, but in the winter, I like ti=o take my reds a little deeper and experiment with wines, plums and oxblood (this season's it-color).

So, without further ado, here are three lip shades I'm obsessed with this season:

1. Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lip Colour in Sienna

What I love about the Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lipstick in Sienna, $26.00 lipstick is that it gives my lips a deep berry-brown look, without being too overpowering. It also does so while moisturizing my lips - win/win!

It's a really great everyday shade.

The perfect cross between berry and brown.

There you have it! On to my next fave...

2. Makeup Forever Aqua Rouge in Dark Raspberry

If you follow me on Instagram (@LoveBrownSugar), you know I've been raving about this Makeup Forever Aqua Rouge Dark Raspberry ($24.00) lip color since Thanksgiving. I put it on this past Thanksgiving before the festivities started, and two plates in (even after dessert!) my lip color was still going strong. After hours!

The beauty of this product is that it's two in one. It's matte lip color on one end of the stick and on the other is a color-sealing lip gloss that gives your lips a nice luster and long lasting shine.

Sold. Great deep plum color and it lasts from day to night? Hands down my favorite this season.

3. TIGI Cosmetics Decadent Lipstick Luxury

On the brighter berry side of things is TIGI Lipstick in Luxury ($19.00). I blogged about this one for my Perfect Red Lip post. It's a deep cherry that compliments my skin well and is also creamy, which is great.

Love the packaging on this one too. So sleek.

 So now that I've shared my favorite winter lip shades, what are some of yours? I'm looking to try some new ones - soundoff below!

5 Ways To Get Glam For The Holidays

It's holiday time y'all! Get ready for sparkly dresses, killer heels and bold makeup looks. During the holidays, party-hopping can take its toll, especially when you have to figure out what beauty looks to pair with each outfit. To make things simple and chic, here my 5 top tips for getting super glam for the holiday season:

1. Pick a Glam Hairstyle

The perfect hair look ties your whole holiday look together. So start here with a style that compliments your face, goes well from day to night (for the party-hoppers like myself) and make you feel glamorous. This holiday season I got my hair straightened so for this tutorial I opted for a half-up/half-down look with a chic side-swept bang.

2. Make Your Eyes Pop

My eyes are my favorite facial feature so I always play them up. They're the keys to the soul after all. For a glam eye look, try COVERGIRL's newest mascara innovation; COVERGIRL Clump Crusher Mascara.

It's been proven to increase lash volume by up to 200% with ZERO clumps. I hate mascara clumps, so this product is definitely going to be a beauty mainstay this holiday season.

3. Go For Bold (Lips)

Next up - lips! You guys know how much I love red lips. Nothing says holiday chic like a bold lip. Whether you opt for bright red or deep plum, a bold lip always makes a statement. Plus, who doesn't love a little lip stain around the champagne glass rim? So very ladylike.

4. Accessorize For Your Life

Accessories provide the absolute best toppers for your holiday outfits. A statement necklace like this one can really take a simple top or a little black dress to another level. Also, festive rings, bracelets and earrings are perfect compliments. Just be sure not to overdo it!

5. Nail It

Glamorous nails are the quintessential accessory for the holiday season. There are so many awesome color options during the holidays. You don't have to stick with the traditional red or green colors to say festive either. COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss provide a nice array of holiday-appropriate colors. Check out the 15 colors available now with more coming in January (including Snow Storm which I am wearing in the photo above)!

What I love about these nail glosses is that the colors come through really potent and saturated even with only one coat. And the glossy color lasts for up to a week with out the need for a top coat. Love love love this collection of nail lacquers.

What makes YOU feel glam during the holidays and what are your go-to tricks?

Leave a comment below to be automatically entered into a sweepstakes for a $100 Visa Gift Card sponsored by COVERGIRL to spend on whatever you need in the new year!

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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 12/7 - 12/31.

Be sure to visit the COVERGIRL brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggersí reviews and find more chances to win!