Just got a chance to try out a product from a line I hadn't heard of yet--Retro Chic by professional hair artist Joshua Bernard. (Thanks to Beauty Choice for the sample!) Joshua's goal with the line was to develop a hair treatment system that was superior for restoring damaged hair, locking-in color, and providing lasting protection against the drying effects of harsh sunlight and chemical environments.

My thoughts on the Shampooing Potion:

• Packaging: Cute & eye-catching, however not terribly functional. The Shampooing Potion has a twist off cap and a wide opening, so it's more difficult to control the amount of product you're putting in your hand. That, and at 6AM, I drop that cap at least twice on average each morning! (Revision: I was just informed you can also pull the cap up and it has a small hole in the top. Duh. Haha.)
• Scent: Fresh and a little citrusy. No complaints here.
• Texture: Very creamy, which I thought would build up a great lather. Not so.
• End Results: Maybe I need to be using the conditioner with this product, because my hair was very dry after I rinsed this product out. It didn't leave any kind of residue and washed out easily enough, which was nice. But SO DRY! I had to use a leave-in conditioner just so I could comb through my hair and put some moisture back in it.

All in all, I was left hoping for more. But maybe when the products are all used together, the results are worth the price tag. (?)

Everything I need for my hair somehow made it into this little blue bottle from Sexy Hair.

The Soy Renewal Nourishing Styling Treatment claims to add instant shine, protect against heat and environmental damage, control frizz, boost moisture, increase elasticity, AND speed up drying time. At first I was doubtful it could deliver on all these promises. And when I saw the thick, oil-like consistency, I worried it would majorly weigh down my hair.

But, I've been using just a dime-sized amount on towel-dried hair before styling, and I can't believe the huge difference it's made. First of all, I do actually notice that my drying time is a little shorter. My blow-out lasts longer, my hair is shinier (no need for my shine spray) and it's held up amazingly under all the humidity we've been having. Making it even more of a multi-tasker, Soy Renewal can also be used as a deep treatment hair mask.

It hits shelves in July--in the meantime you can check out more products from the Healthy Sexy Hair collection here.

Was able to try out some products from one of my fave's! "Untamed" is Smashbox's tropical-safari inspired new summer collection. The lineup includes:

• Creamy Cheek Color in "Terracotta" - $24
• Lip Glosses in "Flesh" and "Raw" - $18
• Waterproof Shadow Liner Trio - $29
• Double Ended Eye Brightener - $22

My favorite is the Eye Brightener, which could not be an easier or more perfect way to highlight the corners of your eyes/the arches of your brows. (You can use it on your cheekbones or your Cupid's Bow to highlight lips as well.) I love it for when I'm running late and haven't had time to put on makeup--just a few quick swipes and you instantly look more awake.

Check out "Untamed" and more products from Smashbox here.

Price

$25 (on Amazon)

Reasons I Loved It

Fantastic, believable color. Color appeared quickly and lasted quite a few days. Au natural, good-for-you ingredients.

Reasons I Didn't

Almost fool-proof, but not quite. I took all the necessary precautions and still ended up with some arm and ankle streakage. Scent was only tolerable in my opinion. I mean, c'mon...our beauty technology has improved by leaps and bounds and we still can't create a self-tanner that doesn't smell like a self-tanner? ;-)

Consensus

I would like to try the Tan Extender, which I hear great things about, along with the Sunless Tanner. However, although I thought the color and stay-power was great, I also know there are less expensive products on the market that provide similar results.

Recently was asked about my hair care routine so I thought I would take a moment to break it down. :)

First and foremost, my hair is pretty thick and straight. I used to dye my hair quite often, but because it was getting so dried out and unhealthy, I've stopped experimenting so much with color and maybe only dye it twice a year back to the dark, chocolate brown shade (closest to my natural color) which I've been keeping it.

* I typically opt for volumizing shampoos and hydrating conditioners. I shampoo every other day and condition only about twice a week. (My hair has a tendency to over-condition easily, which weighs it down and then I can't do anything with it.)

* For the past month I have been using AVEENO® NOURISH+ MOISTURIZE Shampoo and Conditioner and have been very satisfied with the results. They do what they say they're going to do--moisturize and create volume! Best of all, they fit into a "beer budget"

* Whenever I use my flat iron more often then usual or have been spending a lot of time outdoors in the sun or in the pool I will use a deep conditioning treatment or mask.When I'm at the pool or the beach I always carry along a spray leave-in conditioner.

* I use the medium setting on my blowdryer and use my flat iron every other day just on the ends of my hair. I try to always use a heat-protectant spray before I flat iron.

In addition to my current "very unlike me" obsession with reading the entire "Twilight" series (can't put the book down!), I am also obsessed with this Akiko Silk Chiffon Dress that just sold out over at one of my favorite sites, "Gomatta Girls". I think I've scoured the entire internet and haven't been able to find this dress anywhere else!!! :-(

It figures I would fall in love with this particular Beautyfix product.

"Why" you ask?

Because the price tag on this little miracle cream is a whopping $250! (However, you can get your hands on the travel-size when you become a Beautyfix member!) Here is the breakdown:

• "M" boasts being the first cosmetic product containing stem cells from the ultra-rare Uttweiler Spatlauber Swiss apple (only 3 trees are still around!)

• It's a luxury "de-stressing" product, which works to increase resiliency and cellular turnover, all the while giving skin a radiant glow. (Which I can attest to!)

• It contains a plant-based beta endorphin called Happybelle, which does exactly what it sounds like it should do; relieve skin aggressors, bring out natural radiance while fighting the root causes of environmental damage.

• There is also an ingredient called Osilift, which immediately firms the skin and relaxes muscle contractions.

I can't speak so much as to the anti-aging, fine line decreasing capabilities of "M" Cream, but I could tell an ENORMOUS difference in my skin over the month that I used this product. (Yup, a trial size lasted me about a month and I was using it almost every day.) First and foremost, my skin has been clear, which is huge. It looks and feels healthier and has this glow about it. I stopped using my powder foundation and instead now opt for a little tinted moisturizer or sheer powder everyday--which feels awesome when I'm used to feeling the need for foundation and concealer on a daily basis.

Check out more on 3Laband "M" Cream at their website or over at Beautyfix!

It's giveaway time again and this time around I have a Hana Mini flat iron up for grabs! As I've mentioned in previous posts, I'm a die-hard fan of the Hana Elite. This mini version is perfect for travel or taking with you for quick touch ups and retails for $80. You can check out more Hana items over at one of my favorite sites, www.misikko.com.

But if you want one for free, all you have to do is shoot an email over to courtney@beerbudgetbeauty.com with a picture of who's hairstyle you are currently coveting. A winner will be chosen and notified by June 20th. Good luck!!

Stress has been wreaking complete havoc on my mood, my appetite, my performance at my job, my sleep/workout regimen and especially my skin. I'm at my wits ends!! I can't seem to get a grip on everything and nothing I do to try and relax/de-stress seems to be working. :(

I'd love for you ladies to impart some advice--what are your sure-fire ways to de-stress?

There are still a few days left to enter to win a free Ms. Pedicure "Foot Spahh"! Just scroll down to the original post and leave a comment with what your must-have brand/color of nail polish is this summer. :)