If you’re a blogger, I’m sure you can relate.  What are some of the questions you get about what you do?

Officials said the findings aren’t a safety concern.  “We do not consider the lead levels we found in the lipsticks to be a safety concern,” the FDA said in its online comments. “The lead levels we found are within the limits recommended by other public health authorities for lead in cosmetics.”

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics thinks otherwise. “They’ve spent the past five years looking at what are the levels of lead in lipstick, but they haven’t done any kind of health impact study to look at what are the exposures women are getting from lipstick,” according to Stacy Malkan, of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.  “Lead builds in the body over time, and lead-containing lipstick applied several times a day, every day, can add up to significant exposure levels,” Mark Mitchell, co-chairman of the Environmental Health Task Force for the National Medical Association, said in the group’s statement.

Click here for a full list of lipsticks tested by the FDA

I do know about you, but this kind of creeps me out.  Usually if I like the color of the lipstick, along with the added benefits (hydration and long wear) I’m getting it, but I guess I have to be more mindful.  What are your thoughts?  Should the FDA do more?

Luckily, I came across a solution from fellow blogger, Katrina Lomidze on “How to Fix Broken Powder Makeup” by simply using rubbing alcohol.

I know you’re probably wondering about the odor and if the alcohol will cause your skin to dry, but as Katrina mentioned in her post, alcohol dries quickly, so it will evaporate and the odor will go away.  Also, the more alcohol concentrate, the faster it dries, but if you leave it out to dry overnight, any percetnage can work.

One of my favorite MAC bronzers had broken and saving it was creating a mess, so following Katrina’s steps by using rubbing alcohol, here’s what I did:

Applied several drops of alcohol to the compact.

Then using my fingers, I began to mix the alcohol with the powder.  You’ll notice it will start to turn into a paste, which will make it easier to smooth it out.

Finally, I let the powder sit overnight to thoroughly dry.

It isn’t as perfect and as smooth as when I purchased it, but at least it’s all in one piece.  So the next time your powder brakes, just use these easy steps to help salvage it and save you money!

Usually when my hair is relaxed, I notice a feeling of dryness and of course, the frigid weather of winter, doesn’t help.  So this past weekend, I used a method called co-washing to increase the moisture level in my hair.  Co-washing is using conditioner, instead of shampoo to wash your.

I washed my hair with Ojon’s Damage Reverse Restorative Conditioner (read: Ojon’s :: Best of Damage Reserve Kit Review).  I then followed up with Shea Moisture’s Organic Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque.  I let the masque sit for about 30m minutes then rinsed it out.  After blowing it dry, I applied a heat protective spray and flat ironed it.

My hair feels amazingly smooth, soft and full of body, just as it would had I gone to the salon.  So with that said, I’m going to add co-washing to my hair routine at least twice a month.  Another thing I’m changing in my routine is pinning up my hair at night instead of wrapping it.  I know I said I would stop wrapping it (read: It’s A Wrap), but somehow I got back into that bad habit.  Hopefully, I’ll stick to pinning.

Here’s a great idea from InStyle

Visit the following link to find out how to achieve the looks - http://news.instyle.com/2012/02/02/super-bowl-nails-manicure-ideas/

If you want to glam it up for a Super Bowl party, nothing is more glamorous and shows more team spirit, than a classic red lip.  Check out my “Old Hollywood Glamour” tutorial to help you get beautified for the party.

For more inspiration, from nail art to makeup, check out my previous post “July 4th Pin Girl Inspired Look”

So which team are you rooting for?

Looking at the recent pictures of Rihanna’s curly do, inspired me to want to go back to curls (Read I Want My Hair Back). Curls are so fun, flirty and carefree!  No flat iron, no brush, no comb and most importantly, no fuss!  With my late starts in the mornings, it’s a perfect get up and go do.

So, I did it!   On Friday, I endured an hour under the dryer and nearly three hours at the salon for flexi curls.  Some may choose a less hectic approach and use curling irons instead, but, in my experience, using flexi rods, make my curls last longer.  Afterwards, I simply applied light oil for shine.

I know many aren’t fans of flexi curls, my mom is one of them.  If you want to try a curly hairstyle and want a more loose curl, try either rolling setting your hair or using a 1 1/2-inch curling iron.

Well, I finally peeped an episode of this season’s Braxton Family Values .  I was happy to see some improvement with the sisters.  It seems as though they learned a lot from last season — better wigs/weave, and they even toned down the heavy makeup, just a little.  The award for most improved  has to go to both with Towanda and Traci.  Those two have come a LONG way.

Remember in the first season, Towanda was always rocking the two ponytails and/or micro minis and frosty eye shadow.  Well, with season 2, Towanda has stepped it up with curly locs and opted for more warm and neutral tones.

Traci was all over the place  during the first season.  She was another fan of frosty eye shadow and her wigs just weren’t up-to-par as a professional cosmetologist. During this season, almost like an inconsistent boyfriend, sometimes she gets it right and the other times, well, she doesn’t.

All of the sisters looked fabulous during Toni’s induction to the Georgia Hall of Fame. Take a look at the episode:

What do you think?

If you can remember, during the Obama’s visit to Buckingham Palace last May, Mrs. Obama rocked a floral print dress from Tfank’s resort collection and in 2010, she donned an emerald green cocktail dress by the designer to an award ceremony.

Tfank begun her career as a costume designer and launched her clothing line at Barneys New York in 2001, forging a new modern opulence with a line of beautiful brocade cocktail coats and colorful, classically-shaped dresses in extraordinary textiles.

Check out more of Barbara Tfank’s Collection at http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2010RTW-BTFANK

I started using Bobbi Brown’s Buffing Grains for Face a few weeks away, twice a week.  Buffing grains is formulated with Japanese Adzuki Bean Powder, which helps remove dry patches and encourages skin cell turnover.  It’s also a 2-in-1, you can combine it with your cleanser or apply it with water.  It comes in a .99 oz/28 g. glass bottle with a pour top and priced at $42.

Check out my review:

For more information about Buffing Grains for Face, visit www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

President Obama serenaded a crowd at the Apollo Theater in Harlem Thursday evening, when he broke out with Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together”.  The legendary soul singer was among the 1,400 in the audience cheering President Obama on.

I’m so in love with him! lol

Actress, Zooey Deschanel’s tuxdeo nails were a hit at this year’s Golden Globe Awards.  If you’re looking to follow the trend, take a look at this tutorial from Pop Sugar TV on how to recreated the look at home.

Finally, if you’re looking to do something special for your loved one  or even for yourself for Valentine’s Day and are in the DC area, Melanie Joy Photography is offering a Valentine’s Day Special, which includes:  1 hour photo session, makeup artist, retouched photos and a private online gallery for only $285.

The special ends on February 2nd.  Email Melanie at mjoyphoto@yahoo.com to book your slot.