LBS Beauty: Motions Straight Finish Collection Review + GIVEAWAY

For those of you like me who enjoy the versatility of natural hair, and exploring all the options your hair has to offer, whether its wearing a curly fro or rocking it sleek & straight, Motions® Haircare has a new product line catered specifically for you. Their Straight Finish™ Collection is a line of three products geared towards taking natural hair from curly to straight, and they sent me a sneak peek at the full range collection. Here's what I thought:

So the collection consists of a Cleanser, Leave-In Conditioner and a Sealer. Using the products together is supposed to produce smooth and sleek strands for curly girls like myself, who want to go from curly to straight.

Even though I'm currently wearing Indique extensions, I wanted to test the product out, so I decided to straighten the natural curls that I have left out of my extensions and blend them in after straightening. I started with just three-day old twistout hair.

The Straight Finish™ Cleanser includes a blend of Shea Butter, Soy Bean oil and Keratin protein as part of the ingredients list. Although it does have SLS in it (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) which I normally try to avoid, it has a milky consistency that was not stripping to my hair at all.

I was pleasantly surprised by how moisturizing the formula is. Milky shampoos tend to do well with my hair as they help preserve moisture and they provide the slip needed for detangling.

The Straight Finish™Leave-In Conditioner had more of a cream consistency. It was really thick in texture but went onto the hair really light, melting right in. It made my curls feel soft and moisturized. It was super easy for me to detangle and twist the hair in sections after using the leave-in.

These are the tools I was working with for my attempt at straightening. (Left to right: Instyler, Conair Curling Iron, Wide Tooth Comb, Ionic Blow Dryer w/ Comb Attachment)

I tend to use serums as a prep for my hair before I apply any heat. I never use heat on my hair without protection as I want to maintain my curls and not sustain any permanent heat damage. So I lightly blew out my my curls from root to tip on low heat and promptly applied the Straight Finish™ Sealer to my strands before straightening.

After that, instead of flat-ironing, I used my Instyler on Medium heat to lightly straighten the strands. 

Already, they look glossy and shiny without being too oily.

Next I used the curling iron similar to a curling wand by taking chunks of my own hair with the extensions and twirling it around the base of the curling iron for big, fluffy curls.

I'm so pleased with the results! My natural hair is bouncy, has a light natural shine and blends really well with my extensions after trying the Motions® Straight Finish™ collection.

It smells amazing, the sealer gave my hair superb luster and shine (without it feeling too heavily weighed down) and using the cleanser and leave-in in tandem left my curls feeling really moisturized. Highly recommend this line!

I'm also running a fun giveaway for ONE of you lovelies to try out the complete collection and win a FREE Proliss Flat Iron to complete your #curly2straight look. Rules below:

1. You must be following @LoveBrownSugar on Instagram and/or Twitter
2. Submit a picture of your favorite straight-haired look. Highlight in the caption (or 140 characters) how you would use the Motions Straight Finish™ product to achieve the look on yourself, and make sure to tag me @LoveBrownSugar w/ hashtag #curly2straight
3. For bonus entry, tweet your submission tagging @MotionsHair on Twitter and using hashtag #curly2straight

This weekend I will be attending a fun night on the town with Motions® and their celeb stylist and Global Ambassador Ursula Stephen. We'll be getting a sneak preview of her new salon in Brooklyn, as well as hitting the town for a fun concert.

The winner of this contest will be announced in my recap post on Monday, May 6th - good luck!

LBS at Coachella Style Contest Winners + Festival Survival Kit

I'm finally here guys! I'm in sunny Indio, California for Weekend 2 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and I am so ready to get my life. Aside from being ecstatic about day 1 of the festival, I'm overjoyed to announce the three winners of my LBS at Coachella Style Contest! I asked you guys to send me fashion inspiration for my trip to Coachella and I received quite a few amazing entries on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. But unfortunately, there can only be three winners. Drumroll please...

Day 1: Boho Chic

Congratulations to Jessica Andrews! She submitted this collage of a super chic bohemian look via her Pinterest page (MsAndrews) and I'm in love with it. From the crochet bag to the navajo/tribal dress, cat eye sunnies and the bold lip. I will be recreating this look - thanks Jessica for inspiring me!

Day 2: Casual Cool

Congratulations to Ashley Williams! She submitted this super cute pic on the LoveBrownSugar Facebook page HERE. I love the simplicity of this look featuring just a pair of cutoff shorts, a graphic tee and a massive arm party. Can't wait to replicate this one at Coachella.

Day 3: Poolside Party

Congratulations to Shelyn Mouton (@standingbystars) who submitted the above inspiration via Instagram. This look is SO me! From the sexy bathing suit to the gladiator flats and printed shorts. I will be doing an exact replica of this look for my pool party on Day 3.

And now for the Summer Festival Survival Kit:

Each winner will receive a special gift package featuring one each of some of my festival faves including: A pair of t-strap Lacoste jellies in a fun bright color (comfy and bright enough to make a statement!), a set of Color by Amber bangles (can't go wrong with mix & match arm party), nail appliques by Jamberry Nails (my new fave!), Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream (light coverage for hot & sweaty occasions when foundation is too much), Archipelago Botanicals travel sized toiletries (they smell amazing and they're perfect for on-the-go), and Pond's Luminous Clean Towelettes and Moisture Day Lotion with SPF 15 (both products I can't stop using - the towelettes are great for keeping my skin fresh on-the-go and the moisturizer is light with SPF protection - win!).

Thank you to everyone who submitted looks! Follow along with me @LoveBrownSugar and @iloveindique for street style shots, instagrams, tweets and more straight from the festival!

Refinery 29 Contest: NYC's Most Stylish Hood

Hey guys! Ok so I know that I've asked you guys quite a few times to vote for me, in different competitions. The last one I competed in was the Silver Jeans competition and I got so incredibly close to winning, but unfortunately I lost in the last stretch. Well, if you know anything about me, you know that I never give up. I've been dying to take home a win in one of these style competitions, so with slight hesitation (and a little fear of failure), I entered myself again.

Refinery 29 just launched a new contest with luxury retailer Cole Haan and they're looking for NYC's Most Stylish Hood. They asked contestants to submit pictures that represent their 'hood for a chance to win an editorial on Refinery29, a Cole Haan wardrobe and FREE NYC transit access for a YEAR! Considering how much I pay in transit fees each month, I couldn't pass up this opportunity.

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 25

 Merry Christmas everybody!! Thank you all SO much for going along this ride with me. I'm so happy and so blessed to have amazing readers like you who give me daily encouragement, leave me the best comments, and participate in my giveaways! I couldn't ask for anything more.

 To commemorate the lovely holiday season and to end this year's 1st Annual 25 Days of LoveBrownSugar, I'm giving away tons of goodies. Some of these are items I've been holding onto for today and other are extras that desperately need new homes before 2011. All are great, I promise...

So I gave one Gossip Girl Season 3 DVD away on Day 1. Well luckily two more winners will be taking it home. GG fans don't forget to comment.

Another popular DVD this holiday is definitely the Sex & The City 2 Movie DVD. I've got two more of these to give away as well. I can never get too much of Carrie, can you?

For all my brown-skinned divas out there, I have two concealers and one bronzer compact out of the Covergirl Queen Collection to giveaway. Leave a comment for your chance to win.

Special Thanks to everyone who has already signed up for LoveBrownSugar's Newsletter - you guys ROCK! If you haven't, there's still time. I'll be dishing out special updates and exclusive giveaways via the LoveBrownSugar Newsletter come 2011, so you won't want to miss out. Sign up HERE and good luck to everyone. If you've been a faithful commenter and you haven't won anything yet, I'll be looking out for you. You're appreciated.

Merry Christmas!

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 24

So the month is definitely winding down and we're in the last 2 DAYS of 25 Days of LoveBrownSugar. Wow! I know you guys will be busy spending tomorrow with the family, but be sure to check in at 2PM for a giveaway extravaganza on Christmas Day! I'll be giving away tons of stuff. As in, all the gifts I have left that need to find new homes before 2011 ;)

Anyway, today's giveaway comes from one of my favorite brands, Carol's Daughter. She has a slew of amazing gift baskets for the holidays, for those of you out there doing last minute shopping. This one, the Naughty & Nice Body Set is the perfect gift. At a retail price of $28.50 it includes Ecstasy Body Cleansing Gel, Almond Cookie Shea Soufflé, Sugar-Dipped Vanilla All Over Sheen, Hit-the-Spot Body Massager PLUS, it has NO Parabens, Petroleum, Mineral Oil or artificial color. 

You must Sign Up for LoveBrownSugar's Newsletter + Comment Below to win. Happy Christmas Eve!

Congratulations to JaNelle for winning the Slatkin & Co candle. Email luvbrownsugar@gmail.com to claim your prize.

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 23

Today's 25 Days of LoveBrownSugar giveaway comes courtesy Slatkin & Co. candles. I'm giving away a lovely holiday scent. For all you peeps out there into home fragrance, or if you have a friends or family member infatuated with candles, this one's for you. Just sign up for LoveBrownSugar's Newsletter + comment below for your chance to win!

Congratulations to Yemayashimmy who won the Hair Rules giveaway. Please email me at luvbrownsugar@gmail.com to claim your prize.

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 20

 In the spirit of the Monday "not-so-fun-day" blues, I've decided to make today's giveaway super fun and a surprise for you guys and myself as well! I'll be out Christmas shopping this evening and the next giveaway will be a fun piece of jewelry that I find while out shopping in NYC. Follow me on Twitter OR 'Like' LoveBrownSugar on Facebook to follow along with my little shopping trip, which should begin around 6:30PM EST. I'll be taking votes from you guys on which item I should pick. Don't forget to Click HERE to sign up.for LoveBrownSugar's Newsletter + Comment below to be entered for it!

Congratulations to Jessica Civil who won the Ginger & Liz/Carol's Daughter sample pack and also to @Curly_BiNkY on Twitter for winning the Covergirl Queen Collection items. Please email luvbrownsugar@gmail.com to claim your prizes!

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 14

Today's giveaway comes straight from two of my favorite ladies: Ginger & Liz! They have been generous enough to give away a deluxe set featuring the following:

Mini Ginger + Liz Manicure Set & Four Piece Mini Set of the Ginger & Liz Limited Edition Holiday/Winter Colours

You guys know I go giddy over their Blowin' Money Fast. It has been my absolute favorite nail color this season!

And today everyone's a winner! Ginger & Liz are having a one-time-only EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT for friends & family. From 11am-11pm EST get 40% OFF purchases on www.gingerandliz.com with special code "POLISHED" at checkout...

 

Be sure to sign up for LoveBrownSugar’s Newsletter and Comment Below for your chance to win!

 Congratulations to Sharae for winning the Specific Beauty giveaway, and Whitney for winning the Peter Thomas Roth giveaway from yesterday. Please email luvbrownsugar@gmail.com to claim your prizes.

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 13

Hey folks! So a few days ago I wasn't feeling too well and unfortunately when that happens, the blog suffers. I wasn't able to post a giveaway for Day 10 as promised BUT fortunately you're in for a treat. I'm hosting TWO giveaways!! See below for details... 

Giveaway #1: Specific Beauty Full Regimen Pack

Acclaimed dermatologist, Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, introduces Specific Beauty, an innovative new skincare line specifically designed to address the most common cosmetic concern for “multi-hued” skin tones: hyperpigmentation.  This regimen includes five products formulated to be used together, resulting in a more even skin tone, improved skin texture and a complexion that is bright and radiant. 

 

Giveaway #2: Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle Cream Cleanser 

 

As always, be sure to sign up for LoveBrownSugar’s Newsletter and Comment Below for your chance to win! Two lucky winners will be chosen by 12AM EST tonight. Good luck!

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 9

Hey loves! So sorry today's giveaway is going up late. I'm feeling SO under the weather today...

NYC's temparatures have been brutally cold so I'm currently stocking up on my fluids and vitamin C supplements. But no worries, freebies always make me feel better! 

 Today's giveaway is actually going to be Facebook-only and you'll be eligible only by following LoveBrownSugar on Facebook as well as signing up for the Newsletter and leaving a comment on the post. Check out the Facebook page to see what the giveaway is today.Winner will be announced tomorrow - good luck!

Congrats to Pharoah's Angel who won the Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle Cream yesterday. Please email luvbrownsugar@gmail.com to claim your prize!

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 8

We’re now in Day 8 of 25 Days of LoveBrownSugar! Today’s gift comes courtesy of Peter Thomas Roth. They have an amazing line of innovative wrinkle fighting products that are formulated with an exclusive, patent-pending blend of six powerful, active wrinkle relaxing and anti-aging ingredients. The Unwrinkle Cream comes at a retail value of $110.00. Make sure you sign up for LoveBrownSugar’s Newsletter and Comment Below for your chance to win. 

Congratulations to LBS reader KellztheDiva of The K Spot who won the Sex & The City Movie 2 DVD from yesterday! Please email luvbrownsugar@gmail.com to claim your prize.

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 7

Today's giveaway goes out to all the Sex & The City aficianados. I’m giving away one copy of the Sex & The City 2 DVD! Just make sure you sign up for LoveBrownSugar’s Newsletter and Comment Below for your chance to win.Good luck lovelies!

Congratulations to Naomie of Color Me Yellow. You've won the Iyoba Body Essentials Giveaway! Please email luvbrownsugar@gmail.com to claim your gift.

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 6

It's Monday and we're back on again for 25 Days of LoveBrownSugar! Today's giveaway features one of our favorite sponsors - Iyoba Body Essentials. Today's winner will get a special Spicy Carmel gift package. Sugary sweet caramel, vanilla bean, clove and cinnamon come together to create what Iyoba calls spicy carmel.  This set includes: 4oz  Spicy Carmel Whipped Body Butter, 8oz  Spicy Carmel Milk Bath, 8oz  Spicy Carmel Brown Sugar Scrub, 5oz  Honey Oatmeal Soap. Be sure you sign up for LoveBrownSugar’s Newsletter and Comment Below for your chance to win!

Congratulations Jac from DirtyShinyPretty! You've won the Kim Kardashian Fragrance giveaway. Please email luvbrownsugar@gmail.com to claim your prize.

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 3

 Welcome to Day 3 of 25 Days of LoveBrownSugar! Today's giveaway features the reality star everyone has a love/hate relationship with - Kim Kardashian!  Kim recently released her new trademark scent filled with voluptuous floral notes that capture the many facets of her personality: captivating, undeniably feminine, and sensual. Make sure you sign up for LoveBrownSugar’s Newsletter and Comment Below for your chance to win!

P.S. Congratulations to LBS reader Vonnie of SocialiteDreams who won the June Jacobs Spa Collection Face Travel Kit from yesterday! Please email luvbrownsugar@gmail.com to claim your prize.

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 2

It's Day 2 of 25 Days of LoveBrownSugar! Today's giveaway features the quintessential package for the traveling girl who likes to keep up appearances. The June Jacobs Spa Collection Face Traveling Kit retails at $100 and features a collection of paraben and preservative free treatments with a powerful patent pending blend of white, red and green tea extracts combined with goji berry, pomegranate and grapeseed extracts to help neutralize free radicals, protect skin from environmental toxins and combat the signs of premature aging. Make sure you sign up for LoveBrownSugar’s Newsletter and Comment Below for your chance to win. 

Congratulations to LBS reader Sarajane who won the Gossip Girl Season 3 DVD collection from yesterday! Please email luvbrownsugar@gmail.com to claim your prize.

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 1

For the first rendition of 25 Days of LoveBrownSugar, I’m doing a double whammy and giving away two things at once. Those of you who are loyal Gossip Girl followers, you’re in for a treat! I’m giving away one copy of the complete third season! Just make sure you sign up for LoveBrownSugar’s Newsletter and Comment Below for your chance to win.

Also Congratulations to Lish who won the ShopSwagg NYC giveaway! Please email me at luvbrownsugar@gmail.com to claim your tickets. They will be available for you at the venue this evening.

Welcome to 25 Days of LoveBrownSugar!

 I am incredibly proud and excited to announce a new giveaway series LoveBrownSugar.com is hosting for the month of December. Starting on December 1st going until Christmas Day, LoveBrownSugar will be giving away one awesome gift each day! Get into the Holiday spirit my loves because I've roped in some amazing product sponsors for these holiday gifts. From notable beauty products and fashion accessories, to popular DVDs and event tickets. Check back once a day at 2PM this month for your chance to win!

Eligibility
1. Sign up for LoveBrownSugar.com's Newsletter. Click HERE to sign up.
2. Comment on the giveaway and you're automatically entered for it!

Note: There is no limit to the amount of times you can win. Comment everyday and if you happen to win 5 times, that's your luck! Also, there will be a few exclusive Facebook-only and Twitter-only prizes throughout the month so make sure you're following me on both. Twitter peeps, hit me up with the hashtag #25DaysofLBS if you see something you love.

Good luck and Happy Holidays from LoveBrownSugar! (See you at 2PM)

Facebook Giveaway: Lottery Ticket on DVD

Hey loves! I must post a disclaimer - this is not fashion-related. BUT, it's free stuff so who cares?

In honor of Thanksgiving and good quality family entertainment, the folks over at Reaction Marketing have given me 5 DVDs to giveaway by the end of November. In case you missed the chance to see Lottery Ticket in theatres (I did too, you're not alone), I have a few copies to giveaway to my faithful readers. I've heard the movie is hilarious and DVDs make great holiday gifts! Just an FYI, this is a Facebook-only giveaway. You must 'Like' LoveBrownSugar on Facebook to be eligible to win. Oh, and leave a comment below!

Good luck! Winners will be notified on Thanksgiving day!

LoveBrownSugar + Sole Discretion Shoe Giveaway!

So you guys know by now that I'm obsessed with shoes right? I'm always on the lookout for the hottest and most innovative in footwear so when I stumbled on new shoe brand Sole Discretion, I had to take note and share! One thing I absolutely hate about awesome shoes is that they're often painful and hard to walk in for long periods of time. But what I don't have time for when I'm off to a chic event, is carrying on oversized bag to stuff another pair of shoes into. So what do we ladies do? Suffer...

Flats are foldable/rollable for tucking into small bags.

 Well, if you're looking for the perfect way to prance around in your heels and discreetly pack a pair of flats to change into at the end of the night, Sole Discretion is for you! With a small compact carry case and comfy flats that run the gamut from patent leather to leopard print, they offer an amazing way to be comfortable, discreet and still fashionable. At a retail price of only $15, they're innovative and affordable - a combination that's normally hard to find.

Wristlet included expands to tote size for carrying your heels...

 More than that, the brand is headed up by three chic sistas from Ohio who started the company with a dollar and a dream. I love supporting new ventures and this one isn't just fashionable, it make sense! This week, Sole Discretion is giving Four Lucky LoveBrownSugar Readers the chance to own a pair of Sole Discretion flats. Here are the requirements...

RULES:

1. Comment below!
2. Sign up for Sole Discretion's Mailing List HERE 
2. Winner MUST be following @LoveBrownSugar on Twitter OR Facebook

That's all! The four winners will be announced next Thursday at 2pm. Good luck!

For more information on Sole Discretion, check out their Website | Facebook | Twitter

Pink Velvet Breast Cancer Awareness Giveaway

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Pink Velvet Designs has teamed up with LoveBrownSugar.com to offer an exclusive giveaway just for you! The lovely designer behind Pink Velvet has designed the specialty chain link charm bracelet pictured below, with 20% of proceeds of each sale going to Breast Cancer research...

Pink Velvet for a Pink Cause Charm Bracelets, $25-$30.

 The design features chain links in GOLD or SILVER with pink interlocking ribbon and the Breast Cancer Awareness charm. 

 The single chain link retails at only $25.00 and the double chain link is $30.00. 

 Check out the Pink Velvet Designs website for further details and to purchase and support the cause!

In addition to one lovely reader winning this exclusive designed charm bracelet, LoveBrownSugar is kicking off a special #FollowForCharity promotion via Twitter. For each new Twitter follower @LoveBrownSugar

acquires between today and Friday, October 15th at 9pm, we'll be DONATING $1 TOWARDS BREAST CANCER RESEARCH!

RULES:
1. Comment below with the following: Why is Breast Cancer Awareness important to you?
2. Follow @LoveBrownSugar on Twitter and RT my #followforcharity tweets.

NOTE: You don't HAVE to be on Twitter to participate! Just make sure you comment below, and tell your friends via Facebook or Email about the promotion! The more followers I get, the more I'll donate. Results will be announced on Monday, October 18th. Happy BCA Month!