Brandy Saldana – Page 22 – Will Bake for Shoes

Beauty

Beautiful Curls with the KISS InstaWave

Posted on December 22, 2014by Brandy Saldana

I have naturally curly hair. Actually its more frizzy then anything else, but sometimes I wake up with some great bedhead. Unfortunately it is not always consistent and I never learned how to curl my own hair (with either a curling iron or flat iron.) Recently the KISS InstaWave entered my life and I discovered just how easy it is to achieve gorgeous curls with this device without hoping to just wake up to some great bed head.
If you have never heard of it, the KISS InstaWave is a fully automatic tangle-free curler that instantly creates beautiful curls. It was easy for me to learn to use from any angle, with any hand. It features a Curl Dial with left/right curl directions and has 2 heat settings with a low/high switch with maximum temperature of 420. (Yikes that’s hot!) Luckily, if you ever forget to turn off your Kiss InstaWave, it automatically shuts off after 90 minutes.

This device is simple to use and so are the instructions. All you you need to do to work some in some curls is follow these 6 steps:
1) Hold InstaWave vertically
2) Place a section of hair on the InstaWave curling rod
3) Touch the Curl Dial either left or right so the InstaWave instantly and automatically catches and curls the hair
4 ) Hold for 5-10 seconds (Hold longer for tighter curls and less for beachy waves)
5) Pull the InstaWave down vertically and let the hair out
6) Repeat (Switch between curling right and curling left to create the most natural looking curls)
Check out their video for a better idea of how to use it:

Before:

After:

It took some practice, but I am so happy with the results. I had washed my hair and let it air dry, but did blow dry my roots before using the InstaWave, so I would recommend having dry hair before using. After about a couple of tries, I got the hang of it. It took me about 50 minutes to achieve this look, but there was a lot of trial and error so I could only imagine it taking less time with my next attempt.
I will be making an effort to incorporate this beauty tool into my routine for tight and loose curls. I might be sharing an outfit post with this look hopefully before the end of the year, so stay tuned for that. I would definitely recommend this product because it works and is super easy to use. The KISS InstaWave is available at Target for $59.99, so pick it up as a great last-minute gift. You can find more information and other tutorial videos on how to use the Kiss InstaWave here: http://www.KISSInstaWave.com

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Brandbacker and Kiss InstaWave. All opinions and views expressed are my own.

Beauty
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- Makeup

Paula Dorf Aztec City Eye Color Palette and Teal Mascara Review

Posted on December 16, 2014by Brandy Saldana

My daily makeup routine includes moisturizer, mascara, a sweep of neutral eye shadow, lipstick and powder foundation. I have been thinking of trying different types of eye shadows and learning how colors should be layered, it felt like it was perfect timing when the opportunity to try out Paula Dorf’s Aztec City Eye Color Palette and Teal Color Mascara came up.

Since I don’t know a lot about makeup, I was not sure exactly what to expect from Paula Dorf makeup. It turns out it is a pretty famous brand known for its unique “trick” products such as “Transformers.” This shadow palette works as eye shadow, but can also transition and be used as liquid eye liners. All it requires is the moistening of the angle side of the double-ended brush that comes with the palette, dabbing the brush into a color of your choice, and applying it as you would an eyeliner.

My first impression of the palette and mascara packaging was sleek and professional. The palette has a mirror and fits in my Truffle bag, so it is something I can easily travel with me. The colors of the palette are mix of professional and flirty shades that can easily transition from a day at work to a night out. The colors are inspired by a mix of the dessert and city. The colors, once applied, are not as highly pigmented, as you can see from my swatches. The beige almost blends too well with my skin, which makes it a great base. The dark brown is highly pigmented, so you would not need to apply too much of it. It makes for the best eyeliner that I would use out of all these colors.

I am pretty happy with the palette, and I am looking forward to playing around with the colors more to try to come up with my own eye look. Knowing that the eye shadows can be used eye liners is also a major plus. For a beginner with makeup, or someone looking for a more professional palette, this is one I would recommend.

Along with the palette, I had the chance to try the Teal Color Mascara. I have never tried any colored mascara, and the only other color I knew it came in other than black is blue. I was a little skeptical about the product because I wasn’t sure I wanted that color to be standing out from my eyes. Apllying it, I felt I layered two-three coats, but didn’t notice too much color. Removing the mascara afterwards, I noticed the color a lot more. I felt it was a really subtle color, so it could be great for someone experimenting with different looks, but not for someone expecting highly-pigmented mascara.
You can find view and purchase the Aztec City Eye Color Palette here. As an added bonus, you can also try out the Paula Dorf Teal Color Mascara free with purchase. Enter the code TEAL at checkout for your own Teal Mascara so you can try it out for yourself!

Outfit
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- Work

Pleats and Lace

Posted on December 9, 2014by Brandy Saldana

Pleated Black Biselle Blouse Noir via LE TOTE | Black Lace Skirt Forever 21 (here) | Upper Cedar Elissa Tote Kate Spade (here) | Black Ulltra Patent Pumps Steve Madden | Emerald Cut Ring in Black Margaret Elizabeth via Rocksbox (buy here) |
Today’s outfit post is a mix of rented pieces and items have had a lot of appearances on the blog already. I built this outfit around the Briselle Blouse by Noir I rented from LE TOTE. I felt like my lace and tulle skirt was the perfect compliment to the delicate pleats and fluttering cap sleeves. I recently received the Margaret Elizabeth ring from Rocksbox and I would not expect to have loved Emerald cut rings, but I did! The price for the ring was pretty steep ($102 for members), but it is a gorgeous piece that I had a chance to try it out. I am currently on a different set and need to send back my current Rocksbox back for some pieces I can use for the holiday parties I’ll be attending. The black onyx color of the stone adds a lot of drama, and would definitely recommend trying it out with more rings.
I need to do buckle down and get some holiday shopping. I started getting into the holiday spirit and Armando and I put up our Christmas Tree in our apartment yesterday. Now to buy/make presents.
Hopefully you’ve gotten a lot further with your holiday shopping than I have, but if not you can always give a monthly subscription like Rocksbox to someone that loves changing up their jewelry. (Sign up here)
Until next time,

Beauty
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- Hair

Monat Global Rejuveniqe Oil Intensive Review

Posted on December 5, 2014by Brandy Saldana

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by MONAT and IFabbo. All opinions and views expressed are my own.
My hair routine is not very exciting, so when iFabbo offered the opportunity to try a new hair oil from their shop, I signed up immediately eager to try something new for my hair. My typical routine is shampoo and conditioning every other day and applying mousse to add structure to my curls. The alcohol in mousse and hairspray can dry out air, so my needs are being able to rehydrate my hair.
Monet promises to nourish and energize the scalp with an invigorating blend of 11+ unique molecular ingredients –including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids – that mimic the body’s natural oils. The formula reduces hair thinning, prevents oxidative stress and adds volume, repairing the hair with instantly visible, long-lasting shine without the damaging effects of silicone. My hair is very thick and I tend to have it thinned out when I get a haircut, so preventing hair thinning was not on my list, but it is nice to know that this product takes care of that.
Ingredients in the Monat Global Oil Intensive include sustainable and natural ingredients. You can find the full list of ingredients here, but based on the list of ingredients, it shouldn’t be surprising to know that this product has a citrus smell (like lemon.) The texture is also not too greasy. I like that this product has a dropped that lets you control how much you will be using while not making a mess.
I read that the product was pretty versatile and could be used as a scalp treatment pre-shower or to damp hair and scalp and having a moist towel wrapped around for thirty minutes. I have just been applying it to my tips (so they don’t dry out as easily) and as a frizz serum. I feel it is too early to say whether I feel much of a difference, but I have never really been the type of person who gets complimented for their hair. I think if my co-workers notice my hair is shinier or shows more volume, then I will know it is doing its thing.
You can check out Monet Global Rejuvenique Oil Intensive on Monet’s site along with their other hair product line here: www.monatglobal.com.
The cost of a 1.0 fluid ounce bottle is $99, but VIP customers can get it for $84. It is a pretty steep price to me, but since this is my first foray in reviewing hair products, I am not sure what the price of natural hair oils typically retail for. I have felt my hair is a lot more moisturize so I would recommend it for that and to work as part of an anti-frizz regimen. Hopefully, I’ll get compliments soon on how shiny my hair is too.
Hope you enjoyed my review and look out for a few more beauty product reviews this month.

Outfit
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- Work

Modern Cinderella

Posted on December 3, 2014by Brandy Saldana

Beige Trench Coat Banana Republic Factory Store | Light Blue Swiss Dot Mesh Dress Rodarte for Target | Starry Night Necklace Urban Gem via Rocksbox | Bow Ring Forever 21 (similar here) | White and Silver C Signature Bangle Coach| Cedar Street Elissa Leather Tote in Black Kate Spade (on sale here) | Silver Sedaraby Metallic d’Orsay Heels Manolo Blahnik (here) |
Yay! It’s Wednesday! I took a couple of vacation days before the Thanksgiving holiday and really enjoyed my time off work spending time with my family and browsing through the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. I am so glad we’ve been experiencing rain, although it is a challenge figuring out what to wear when it is muggy and wet outside.

This outfit is from a few weeks back, and I decided it reminded me of what Cinderella might wear today. The glass slippers are upgraded to a pair of metallic silver Manolo Blahnik heels and her powder blue ball gown becomes an everyday dress thanks to this Rodarte for Target lace, mesh and swiss dot dress. This dress easily work with cute flats and a cardigan for a slightly casual look too, but I love how it looks with a simple pair of heels.

I’ve been obsessed with my Kate Spade leather bag and it is currently on sale at Nordstrom and have been using it everyday. If you still need to find a gift for an amazing woman in your life, or for yourself, this bag should be a top contender. I did some damage during the Kate Spade Surprise sale last week and I can’t wait to share the goodies I scored. I need to really buckle down on my holiday shopping and start buying gifts for other people, but when sales are really good, it is hard not to treat yourself. =]

Cyber Monday 2014 Sales and Promo Deals

Posted on December 1, 2014by Brandy Saldana

Image via WE HEART ITMy favorite day of the year is here! I always forget that I need to put money away each month to take advantage of the ridiculous deals and promotions on Cyber Monday. I’ve started some of my shopping this weekend and plan on taking advantage of some of these sales, so hopefully your credit cards or wallets have recovered a little from the Black Friday madness in time to take advantage of some of these sweet deals too. Some Black Friday sales end today, so don’t forget to stop by those sites as well for some last-minute deals.

Baublebar// 20% off

CODE: CYBER20
Bloomingdales // Cyber Monday 25% off a selection of regular and sale price items
DATE: 11.30-12.01
Bluefly // up to 80% off
DATE: 11.28
DVF // 40% off select styles and 15% off sitewide
DATE: 11.25-12.01

Code: CYBER15
Express // Cyber Monday 50% off sitewide + free shipping
DATE: 12.01
J. Crew // Cyber Monday 30% off select full-price styles and additional 40% off sale + free shipping, no minimum
DATE: 12.01
CODE: MONDAY

Kate Spade // 30% off sitewide

DATE:12.01 – 12.02

CODE: CYBER30
Kate Spade Saturday // Cyber Monday 30% off sitewide
DATE: 12.01
CODE: OHWOW
Les Nouvelles // additional 25% off first fall markdowns
DATE: 11.25-12.02
CODE: TURKEYTROT

ModCloth // Cyber Monday – 25% off sitewide
DATE: 11.30-12.03
CODE: CYBERMONDAY

Sephora // Receive a Cyber Monday Mystery Sample bag with any $25 purchase

DATE 11.29 – until supplies last

CODE: SURPRISE

Sole Society // Cyber Monday 30% off entire site

Target// Save an extra 10% one day only

DATE: 12.1

CODE: CYBER10
Zappos Charity Promotion Details:
Zappos.com Announces Fast, Free Giving! For every order placed on Zappos.com from Black Friday to Cyber Monday Zappos will donate 10 meals to families in need, in partnership with Feeding America. Their commitment is to donate up to 5,000,000 meals ($500,000). That many meals would feed the entire state of Kentucky! Through Feeding America’s bulk discounts, subsidies, etc. they’re able to use $1 in donations to generate 10 meals. Feeding America is a national top-rated charity with a network of over 200 food banks, and supporting 61,000 local charities in all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico.”