Archives for 2018

Effective Permanent Hair Removal at Home: DEESS iLight3 Home IPL Beauty Device

January 31, 2018 · 10 Comments

If you’re reading this, you probably do not need to be convinced that most at-home hair removal methods are a time-consuming hassle. Shaving, waxing, tweezing or whatever method you use to remove unwanted hair can get uneven and short-term results.

Want a long-lasting, hair removal system? IPL laser treatments for hair removal at the doctor’s office or the spa are effective but expensive and time-consuming. That’s why we love the DEESS iLight3 Home IPL Beauty Device, a home IPL device for Permanent hair removal.

The GSD-approved DEESS iLight device makes at-home hair removal easy!

WHAT THIS KIT CONTAINS

One GSD-approved iLight device, one hair removal attachment, a plug outlet cord, and goggles with full instructions.

The DEESS iLight3 Home IPL Beauty Device set

HOW IPL LIGHT WORKS

The IPL uses the energy of short intense pulse light that is absorbed by the pigment within the hair follicle root. After repeated treatments, hair doesn’t grow back.

DEESS IPL treatment head emits a short burst of Intense Pulsed Light for about as long a camera flash, but much brighter

USES

The device can be used for arms, legs, underarms, facial and upper lip hair (except near the eyes).

Close view at the IPL light window

HOW IT WORKS

It’s convenient to do at home and simple to use.

Shave the area before treatment.
When you’re ready to begin, put on the light-shielding goggles and plug in the device. A red light will blink when its’ ready.
Hold the button for three seconds to start, you will see blinking lights. Adjust the level as necessary, we’ll begin with default level one.
Hold the device vertically on the skin, so that the light emitting window is positioned directly above the section to be treated.
When the lights turn green, quickly click the button
There will be a very bright flash of light. This is the IPL light treating that small section. REPEAT: ALWAYS wear the goggles, because the light is exceptionally bright and eyes must be shielded, as they would be in a professional treatment setting
Move the device to the next area and click again, repeating the process until the area is covered, one click per section
Once any redness subsides, treat the entire area again, one click per section.

FREQUENCY OF USE

If you can tolerate the device without discomfort, you can choose a more powerful setting than the lowest default level. This is especially useful for stubborn areas of unwanted hair. Most areas respond fastest to levels three to five, but lower levels will work fine, it might just take longer for permanent results.

Use the device weekly for one month, Then use it twice a week for the next two to three months.

Regular use gets results! Use for 10-12 weeks, hair grows thinner after 3-4 treatments. Touch up every 4 to 6 weeks for smooth, hair-free skin on areas such as legs, arms, and underarms.

DEESS is a more powerful device than many at-home hair removal products, which means results that last

MY RESULTS

I found it easy to use, and it was not at all painful. By comparison, I had my underarm hair removed at a spa and even with the numbing cream, it did hurt and it took three to four sessions spaced out over a few months to get results.

The DEESS iLight3 Home IPL Beauty Device not only didn’t hurt at all even upon more sensitive areas, but the results so far have been quite impressive. It compares very well with the results I got from a professional. Not only is it easier, faster, more sanitary, more private and more convenient to do the hair removal yourself at home, but it is far more cost-effective. The cost of just my underarm hair removal at a spa cost was almost double what the cost of the entire DEESS iLight3 Home IPL Beauty Device kit! With IPL laser hair removal for legs at a spa costing several hundred dollars and up, I was so pleased to see how quickly and effectively the DEESS iLight3 Home IPL Beauty Device has worked so far on my legs and legs, even stray hairs on toes and fingers.

TIP: The IPL light is VERY intense. Always wear the goggles while using the device!

Regrowth is getting more and more sparse during the treatment timing, so I love not having to shave my legs as often. I also like that it accomplishes this on the one cartridge, whereas devices like NoNo! required multiple replacement cartridges over a short period of time and they were not nearly as effective. I also like that I can treat all problem hair areas: arms, armpits, legs, and upper lip with one device.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the DEESS iLight3 Home IPL Beauty Device at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071J5JRWV

DEESS is a cost-effective, painless way to permanently remove hair from home

Style Chicks received the DEESS iLight3 Home IPL Beauty Device in exchange for our unbiased review. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

SMART DIVAS: Fashionably Planning with Abrie James 2018 Planner Book

January 30, 2018 · 6 Comments

There’s precedent for being fashionably late, but there’s no excuse for “fashionably forgetful”. We juggle many roles and must plan accordingly. Nothing beats prepping for upcoming events like a visual spread of the entire week or month, especially when starting a business or blog, planning a wedding or otherwise keeping numerous appointments per week including managing a busy household. And our favorite new tool to schedule our professional and personal lives is the Abrie James 2018 Planner Book: a fashionable, chic planner that looks so good you’ll want to carry it everywhere.

The Abrie James 2018 Planner

WHY A FASHIONABLE PLANNER

When was the last time someone complimented your day planner?

For me, it was my 8th grade Lisa Frank homework planner. No shade on Lisa Frank, for she’s the undisputed, reigning queen of aiding tween girls to get stuff done. But it seems like we grew up and most planners didn’t.

The majority of planners aren’t much more sophisticated in appearance or function beyond that which we used to remember when to bring our gym uniform and for keeping track of Algebra homework due dates. And, these “whimsical” patterned planners look silly in the hands of any woman who wants to be taken seriously while actively adulting.

Close up detail on the Abrie James planner cover

Most appointment books are either stodgy, pretentious, boring leatherette books or have overly kitschy or froofy patterns. Neither will do. When a client looks at your attire, including your accessories, what do they see? I want clients to find me elegant, creative, reliable, innovative and intelligent. Why should my weekly planner look out of place with that image? Abrie James appointment books are inspired by fashionable runway looks and come in colors and patterns of a feminine, fashionable, creative, stylish and intelligent grown-up.

Abrie James planners are fashionable, useful and fun to use

THE ABRIE JAMES PLANNER AESTHETIC

My Abrie James planner matches much of my work attire. It comes in shades of deep grey and black, with a pop of feminine yet sophisticated rose-colored 2018 text. Other Abrie James planners have elegant graffiti, colorful lines, marbles, and metallics.

Abrie James planner

But don’t judge an appointment book entirely by its’ cover, no matter how fashionable it may be. Abrie James Planners help organize tasks to the tune of the needs of a busy adult, and if I may say, even us A-Types.

The Abrie James Planner cover shades of black, gray and rose compliment my wardrobe

WHY A PAPER PLANNER BOOK IS LIFE-OPTIMIZING MUST-HAVE

Recording appointments on tablets and phones are useful for short-term reminder prompts of where we have to be and when. But these do little for helping us visualize our time or to prepare for these events. A paper planner helps us do just that.

ABRIE JAMES DESIGN FEATURES

LAYOUT

Durable divider tabs separate each month’s section for quick-access

Divider tabs by month

MONTHLY VIEW Each month has a two-page overview with large spaces for multiple items, detailed explanations, and instructions

View one month as seen on two pages of the highly attractive and useful Abrie James Planner

A month at a glance

WEEKLY VIEW Each week is spread over two pages, with a full length lined sections per day that give enough room for planning, scheduling or journaling in detail. I find this daily journal section ideal for keeping personal and private goals separate from business schedules. It’s a good spot for detailing personal fitness or beauty goals such as water drinking, exercise and beauty treatment schedule for hair or skin, and other personal goals.

Week at a glance section has ruled lines for detailed instructions or journal entries

OVERVIEW Each month has a full page blank lined paged for reviews, overviews, goals, journaling, or even sketches and schematics.

Full page monthly review

SUMMARY SECTIONS for decisive action

CONSTRUCTION

STURDY CONSTRUCTION strong black poly cover that’s more rigid than other planners while being flexible enough to fit into your bag.
THREE YEAR OVERVIEW (2018-2020) for long-term planning
PERFECT SIZE At 8.5 x 11 the planner fits into a laptop case, briefcase, purse, tote, or backpack or bookbag.

Fits easily in a briefcase, laptop case, backpack or tote

BLEED-RESISTANT ACID-FREE HIGH-QUALITY PAPER: Not only is the feel of this paper lovely, but it resists pen ink bleed, including permanent bullet journaling markers, which not only makes for cleaner writing but less fade.

Paper won’t bleed or fade, even with Bullet Journal markers

UNIQUE SECTIONS IN DETAIL

GRATITUDE SECTION

When we were young, our father said to us “How happy you are in life is directly related to how appreciative you are“. I’ve found this to be very true. But as a busy person who always has a to-do list longer than my arm, it’s difficult to pause and reflect on the good things, accomplishments and the people who were involved in them.

This planner enhances gratitude in two ways: with a section at the end of each month for writing down the things we are grateful for and a lovely set of thank you notes. In a world of memes, texts, and emails, a handwritten thank you note is a lost art, but an important one to best sustain personal and business relationships.

A set of thank you notes made of quality paper with versatile gold foil design

Thank you note set

Using this planner to contemplate areas of your life to be grateful, such as a kind or encouraging word from a friend, a favor done, an opportunity offered, a mentors’ advice, or for a colleague, friend or serviceperson who went the extra mile for you, is a worthwhile investment in both them and yourself.

A section each month devoted to Gratitude

The included Thank You note set makes it easy to act on what is written in the Gratitude section

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

I also liked the inspirational quotes along the page footers, including words of wisdom ranging from the Ancient Greek Philosophers to Robin Williams.

Inspirational quotes appear along the page footers

Different inspirational quotes appear on each page

A PLANNER HELPS TO ACTUATE ONESELF FOR DECISIVE ACTION

Feel like a flip-flopper when it comes to making big decisions?

Many of us organize tasks by the Bullet Journal method. Prior to Bullet Journaling, GTD, AKA the Getting Things Done method, as popular. According to David Allen, author of Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, the critical success factor to GTD accomplishment is what he calls “The Weekly Review”.

The Weekly Review consists of an analog review of all to-do lists and agendas on a weekly basis, where one gathers and processes all of their stuff, reviews their system and updates lists, revising and cleaning out old items, and moves forward. This Weekly Review helps us make decisive, quick decisions because we have clearly in mind what’s needed to advance our agendas.

Regardless of the method used, I find the Abrie James organizer an outstanding tool in this capacity.

The planner comes in a heavyweight, attractive gift box

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Abrie James Founder Crystal Sides is a working mom of two who created a fashionable line of planners for the A-type Organized Divas amongst us who plan and do all the things we can pack into our hectic schedules. She also designed a line of accessories that are bound to kick-start your creative flow while making your meetings more productive and fun!

Abrie James Planners multi-task for professional and personal life planning

CONCLUSION

A fashionable and elegant way to convey your professionalism without compromising your style, the Abrie James 2018 Monthly Weekly Planner Appointment Book helps optimize your schedule with the efficiency of GTD planning combined with the inspirational flow of Bullet Journaling all in a quality paper, durable, stylish journal that easily fits into a briefcase, laptop case, or tote bag.

Abrie James 2018 Planner for all your personal and professional needs

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the Abrie James 2018 Planner Book at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078RWKGL7

Style Chicks received Abrie James 2018 Planner Book in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Support a KickStarter Campaign: Stardust Explores the Solar System by Bailey Harris

January 30, 2018 · 7 Comments

I can’t remember exactly how old I was, but I couldn’t have been more than four. I heard about an upcoming meteor shower, and my father took my sister and me into the backyard to watch when the time finally came. It was a chilly Summer night, and I vividly remember my father’s strong but gentle voice explaining that the “shooting stars” were actually meteors from a comet. It was quiet, it was serene, it was beautiful, it just made sense. There was no wishing on a star – just a wish to know more – one that was answered soon thereafter at a planetarium upstate.

Here at Style Chicks, we do everything we can to support and encourage Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) related fields. We know from personal experience that encouraging girls (and boys too) towards careers in STEM has to start early, as our parents did with us. This is why we personally work with kids to show them that these fields can be fun and rewarding paths, and it is also why we are so excited to tell you about Stardust Explores the Solar System, a new children’s science book on Kickstarter!

Stardust Explores the Solar System by Bailey Harris and Douglas Harris

Stardust Explores the Solar System is the work of Bailey Harris and her father, Douglas Harris. What makes this book so special? Bailey is 12 years old, and she has an insatiable thirst to learn about the world we live in, and to teach science to others as well!

Bailey and Douglas Harris, authors of the Stardust series

Stardust Explores the Solar System is the second book in the Stardust series. Bailey and Doug’s first book, My Name is Stardust, was published in 2017 after a very successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $20,000. Bailey started writing the book when she was eight after watching “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey”, narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson. We all know that Neil deGrasse Tyson is a true expert in explaining complex concepts in a way that is simple and concise – and exciting. It excited Bailey, who immediately went to the family computer to start a document that eventually became her first book!

Bailey Harris, Author of Stardust Explores the Solar System

When you watch the video in the Kickstarter Campaign for Stardust Explores the Solar System, Bailey’s enthusiasm is contagious, and your child or favorite niece or nephew will catch a love of science too! Bailey notes that teaching children about the Solar System is one of the best ways to get them excited about science.

You have a great opportunity to inspire a love of the Solar System on Wednesday when the moon will be a “Super Blue Blood Moon” and there will be a total lunar eclipse. Watching this multi-phenomenal moon will bring out a sense of awe in the child in your life, and a prime chance to explain what causes the moon to look like that, and how that relates to the rest of the Solar System.

It is also a great time to support the production of Stardust Explores the Solar System through their Kickstarter campaign. Your child’s natural sense of wonder will be enhanced through learning about science in a fun, exciting way.

“Why?” was always a welcomed question in our house, and was always answered in a way we could understand, and that would encourage us to explore deeper. Help your child and many other children to understand why by supporting Bailey & Doug in publishing Stardust Explores the Solar System!

Find the Kickstarter Campaign for Stardust Explores the Solar System at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/doughded/stardust-explores-the-solar-system-childrens-scien

Bailey Harris, Author of Stardust Explores the Solar System

Style Chicks received compensation for our time and effort to discuss the Kickstarter Campaign for Stardust Explores the Solar System.

LONG HAIR CARE: AuroTrends Microfiber Hair Towels

January 29, 2018 · 4 Comments

Great effort often goes into keeping hair looking its’ best, especially long hair. Hair is most vulnerable to damage when it’s wet. Many of us unknowingly damage our wet hair by using a body bath towel as our hair towel. The best way to dry wet tresses is to allow as much air-drying as possible while wrapping hair in a gentle towel. AuroTrends Microfiber Hair Towels contain ultra-wicking technology that’s 80% more absorbent than other towels, resulting in hair that sustains less damage while drying.

AuroTrends Microfiber Hair Towel comes two to a set

THE PROBLEM WITH HANDLING LONG OR DAMAGED HAIR

Coloring, heat styling, sun damage, chlorine, environmental and chemical exposure, and general processing all weaken the hair and can accelerate breakage. Even if unprocessed, long hair is older and delicate, thereby requiring gentle handling. If your hair is longer than chin length, it has withstood several years of blowouts, wind, sun, chemicals, and perhaps damaging coloring and straightening processes. While we can carefully condition hair and limit sun exposure, the easiest remedy to reducing future damage is how we dry our hair.

AeroTrends Microfiber Hair Towels absorb moisture while being lightweight and gentle to wet hair

AeroTrends Microfiber Hair Towels absorb moisture while being lightweight and gentle with wet hair

AuroTrends towels fasten securely on the head

HOW TO DRY HAIR WITHOUT CAUSING DAMAGE

Two key elements are required for a hair towel to avoid hair damage:

It must be gentle enough to the hair so as not cause friction which scratches or abrades the delicate wet surface of the hair cuticle, resulting in breakage and fallout.
The towel needs to be able to absorb large quantities of moisture so that hair can dry naturally without heat styling while not becoming too frizzy to style. Ideally, if you avoid the “rough dry” stage of blow drying (the first 80% of drying that hair is just dried for the sake of getting hair dry, not styled) and only use heat and friction to style the hair, far less damage is done. AuroTrends Microfiber Hair towels meet these needs by providing a very soft surface to cradle the hair while it is wet, and ultra-wicking properties due to a superabsorbent ultrafine microfiber material that draws moisture from the hair, absorbing much more water than a regular bath towel.

Well stitched, soft edges do not fray and stop water from dripping on the forehead and neck

TIP: Using a bath towel intended for exfoliating and drying body skin is far too harsh for drying delicate hair.

AuroTrends Microfiber Hair Towels: a better way to dry long and delicate wet hair

WHY ARE AUROTRENDS MICROFIBER HAIR TOWELS BETTER FOR HAIR THAN A REGULAR BATH TOWEL?

An AuroTrends Microfiber Luxury Hair Towel is lightweight and securely stays in place on your head without slipping around, even when bending or turning your head. It accommodates longer or thicker hair. Unlike traditional bath towels, it’s made of a very soft microfiber that feels like a soft plush stuffed animal, not a rough exfoliating towel surface. Using a bath towel intended for exfoliating and drying body skin is far too harsh for drying the hair. For best hair care, opt for a soft, luxury microfiber towel like the AuroTrends MicroFiber Hair Towel.

Aurotrends Hair turban is even softer than this Ty Plush Beanie Boo, meaning no damage to skin or hair

SO SOFT! The AuroTrends Microfiber Hair towel turban is a very similar feel to the soft fabric of this Ty Plush Beanie, meaning no damage to skin or even fragile wet hair like a towel or flannel intended to dry the body can cause

It’s also easier to wear an AuroTrends Microfiber Hair Towel securely in place without it falling off while eating, drinking coffee, or applying makeup. The sizing fits from a child to an adult, and it accommodates thick or long hair.

AUROTRENDS FEATURE OVERVIEW

SOFT: Soft plush, absorbent, quick-dry material (20% Nylon+80% Polyester Fiber) that doesn’t irritate hair or skin
Easy to use with large loop and button closure
QUICK DRY: Dries hair faster than traditional bath towels without leaving hair frizzy
QUALITY STITCHING: Corners and seams are soft and not scratchy
Machine washable
Odor-free

Seams are soft and will not scratch hair or irritate skin

AuroTrends features

PUTTING AUROTRENDS TO THE TEST

My hair is about waist length. After washing my hair, I squeeze out as much water as I can by hand down the length of my hair, without rubbing my hair. With my head bent forward and my hair hanging in front of me, I loosely gather my hair as if I was forming a ponytail, and put it into the AuroTrends hair turban. Following the directions on the packaging, I twist the towel into place and secure it by fastening the elastic over the button. Then I stand upright again and tuck in any stray hairs. The AuroTrends towel keeps my hairline protected and product-free while I apply my facial moisturizer, serums, and sunscreen. Then I do my morning routine such as coffee, eat breakfast, and put on most of my makeup.

AuroTrends Microfiber Hair Towels fit securely on the head and holds my long hair without being heavy

The stretch elastic and secure large button secures the towel in place

Button and loop hold the towel securely in place like a turban

The AuroTrends is not too tight or too loose, and it is lightweight, so it’s not too heavy and it stays put on my head when I move to eat, iron my clothes, read or while I am putting on makeup.

AuroTrends is lightweight and absorbent

When I’ve finished all my other getting ready tasks, I give my hair one last squeeze in the AuroTrends towel (no rubbing), remove it, and blow dry my hair (on the cool setting if possible). The texture of the towel is amazingly soft but does dry hair quickly.

The AuroTrends towel is exceptionally soft and gentle to hair and skin, yet highly absorbent

I hang the AuroTrends towel by the loop to dry for the next day. Since they come two to a pack, you can alternate them every other day, or keep one towel for home and one for travel. They don’t have that used towel odor that bath towels tend to get after use.

Hang the towel by the loop to dry between uses.

Hang the towel from the loop to dry between uses

Personally, I apply any styling products as normal, either before I put on the AuroTrends towel for sprays, leave-in treatments, and mousses or after I remove the towel and my hair is less damp for oils, serums, and creams.

Button and loop hold the towel comfortably and securely in place

ADDITIONAL USES

In addition to using as a towel for partially drying wet hair safely, it is also useful for completely securing hair away from your face during an oil treatment, while applying creams, masks, or full makeup, or other products you don’t want to get into your hairline, such as acne or bleaching products.

The AuroTrends Hair Towel Turban is especially useful to dry your hair after coloring, as unduly roughing up the hair while drying after coloring can open the cuticle which fades the color

Towel wraps to securely fitny size head, whether child or adult.

Towel wraps to securely fit any size head – child to adult

Easily holds all my long hair for safe and gentle drying

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the AuroTrends Microfiber Hair Towel Turban Large Wrap Set at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019LKYXL

Style Chicks received the AuroTrends Microfiber Hair Towel Turban Large Wrap Set in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Archives for 2018

WHAT THIS KIT CONTAINS

HOW IPL LIGHT WORKS

USES

HOW IT WORKS

FREQUENCY OF USE

MY RESULTS

TIP: The IPL light is VERY intense. Always wear the goggles while using the device!

WHERE TO BUY IT

WHY A FASHIONABLE PLANNER

THE ABRIE JAMES PLANNER AESTHETIC

WHY A PAPER PLANNER BOOK IS LIFE-OPTIMIZING MUST-HAVE

ABRIE JAMES DESIGN FEATURES

LAYOUT

CONSTRUCTION

UNIQUE SECTIONS IN DETAIL

GRATITUDE SECTION

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

A PLANNER HELPS TO ACTUATE ONESELF FOR DECISIVE ACTION

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

CONCLUSION

WHERE TO BUY IT

THE PROBLEM WITH HANDLING LONG OR DAMAGED HAIR

HOW TO DRY HAIR WITHOUT CAUSING DAMAGE

TIP: Using a bath towel intended for exfoliating and drying body skin is far too harsh for drying delicate hair.

WHY ARE AUROTRENDS MICROFIBER HAIR TOWELS BETTER FOR HAIR THAN A REGULAR BATH TOWEL?

AUROTRENDS FEATURE OVERVIEW

PUTTING AUROTRENDS TO THE TEST

ADDITIONAL USES

WHERE TO BUY IT