IBD Professional Gel Kit for Nail Extensions

I have been using the IBD Professional Gel Kit for nail extensions since 2005 and I absolutely adore this product. It did take a lot of persistence and hard work to learn how to apply my own gel tips but this product comes with a helpful instructional DVD which cuts the learning time in half. The hardest part for me was learning how to apply tips to my right hand with my left hand, I have a very lazy left hand so I always do my right hand first before I apply tips to the left hand. With tips on my left I would create a real mess of the job. In general I prefer Gel tips over Acrylic tips as they (acrylic) tend to wreck havoc on my own naturally growing nails. Every time I have gone to a salon (out of sheer laziness because I really don't need to) I have often left generally dissatisfied with something about the application. Its not that I am difficult to please. I am just this way weather it is my hair, make-up or my nails being done for me. I know myself better than anyone else and usually have a very clear vision of what I have in mind but something is always lost in articulation. I find it a much better option to patiently toil to bring my desires to fruition than it is to go to someone else that can't imagine exactly what it is have in mind. And I am much much too polite to puff, pant and hiss to have them correct it along the way especially if I am sitting in their chair and they are waving a big scissors/drill or other sharp object that could cause an "accident". LOL If you are at all like me and prefer the DIY approach then you will benefit from learning how to apply your own gel tips and create your own nail art (yeSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS you CaNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!) I will update this review with a recent picture of my own gel application and nail art.
In addition to the Kit you will need:
IBD Jet 5000 UV lamp & fan ($148) to set and solidify the gel.
IBD UV Top Coat ($5.95) it helps the gel dry faster and nails last longer.
IBD Soak Off Gel Nail System ($69.00) to remove the tips and gel at your convenience.
The IBD Professional Gel Kit ($85.99) contains the following:
A full color booklet contains step-by-step instructions on the latest gel application techniques. Kit Contains: 1/2 oz. Clear Gel, 1/2 oz. Clear Builder Gel, 1/2 oz. Ultra White Builder Gel, 1/2 oz. Pink Builder Gel, 1/2 oz. Ultra Seal Clear, 1/2 oz. Bonder, 2 oz. Cleanser Plus, 4 oz. Nail Prep, 5 Second Ultra Fast Nail Glue, 5 Second Gel Glue, Gel Brush, White Padded Files, Cuticle Pushers, Nail Tips, Instruction DVD

BBD STRETCH GROWTH CREME

BBD STRETCH GROWTH CREME : I have been using this stuff to grow my hair since 2006. I cannot survive the challenge to grow healthy strong hair without it. My hair has been straightened with a chemical relaxer for years but instead of having touch ups done every 6 - 8 weeks, I have a perm done every 4 - 6 months / 2 or 3 perms every year!!!! I am happy to report that my hair is fabulously long and strong now after years of damage caused by too much creamy crack (relaxer). Relaxer can be damaging to hair if used too often and offers the greatest benefits if it can be done minimally while protecting the natural growth from breaking at the demarcation point where natural hair meets permed hair on the shaft. I discovered that the Stretch Growth Creme was the key to avoiding this kind of damage and I love love love love it! I use the stretch growth creme as a re-constructor to strengthen and fortify my natural growth. I use it every day (its a little tricky when you are wearing a protective style like a weave but I get my fingers in between those tracks and massage every single one). The moisture it provides helps to keep my hair from drying up and breaking as a result. It has a pudding-like consistency and smell. Its quite sweet smelling but isn't nauseating, its quite light and pleasant. I use this product on both my daughters' hair and although the textures are completely different the effects are pleasing on both heads. They have strong healthy hair and I attribute this to the use of the Stretch Growth Creme. They like it because it softens and de-tangles hair so it makes the hair a lot more pliable and easy to work with. I really love this stuff! It isn't available in stores so one can only order it online. I used to order it from Da Hair Doc but it would take 2 months to arrive in some cases but these days I order it directly from the Big Badd D. I have included a detailed description of the product as it appears on the description below for those who want to know more what it is exactly and how it works. Purchase at http://bigbadd.com/ Cost: $55.00 for 16oz jar (lasts about 2 months when used daily)

See product description below:
Stretch Growth Creme is a water-based, water soluble hair re-constructor. It
contains 22 amino acids. (Stretch is not a conditioner, conditioners coat and
has a tendency to build up on the hair shaft, therefore insulating the hair and
preventing vital moisture from being absorbed.) The key to hair, therefore
allowing maximum penetration of the 22 amino acids.
Stretch is a heat activated, moisturizing and leave-in re-constructor. Stretch
does not work properly without heat. For instance, blow-dry the stretch in,
applying the stretch from your hand to your head and physically pushing the
product into the hair shaft, therefore applying friction, and creating heat.
Stretching be used as a reconstructing treatment.

This is not a conditioner, a conditioner coats. This is a penetrating reconstructor. Reconstructors penetrate and deposit protein in the inner hair shaft. Moisture is the key to hair growth. This product contains no animal fat, therefore it has the potential for maximum penetration. This water-based product contains a special blend of reconstructors that work together to sustain hair growth. Thsi product gives the hair elasticity and ability to stretch and contract back like a rubber and WITHOUT BREAKAGE!

Many of us thought that curs gave the hair the ability to grow faster (because of the Ammonium Thio). It wasn't that, it was the moisture in the activator used in our curls that allowed hair to grow longer and faster without breaking! 24 Hour Stretch Growth Creme is the first of its kind. This is a daily penetrating moisturizer/reconstructor that you may apply as often as the hair feels dry. If the hair feels dry and brittle, it is left vulnerable for breakage. The less stress on the hair shaft, the stronger the hair becomes. If the hair stays smooth, the result of moisture in the hair is sustained growth. May hair dressers and clients feel that grease and fats when pressedinto the hair keeps the hair healthy, but it is only temporary. You cannot sustain hair growth from greases and fats although they have their place. For instance, if you were to drop fat into a cup of water it would resist the water. The water in the cup is your hair and the fat is the conditioner. There is no penetration? Fats will eventually evaporate but will not penetrate!
USAGE: Press & Curl, Relaxer, Roller Sets, Afros, Finger Waves
Directions:
Fine Hair - Apply nickel sized amt or more to hair.
Med.Hair - Quarter sized amt
Thick Hr - Half Dollar amt
**Apply more or less according to dryness of your hair.
**Some use it everyday, others 1-2x per week.
**Apply as often as the hair feels dry or as often as the cuticle (outside scaly layer of hair) swells.

ROLLER SETS: Apply desired amt to hair along with BBD Lactate Fast, and proceed to roll. Apply Keala Oil once rollers are removed.
BLOWDRY & CURL: Add desired amt to hair with BBD Lactate Fast with Keala Oil and BBD Spritz and proceed to curl.
FINGER WAVES: (does anybody wear these anymore??) Apply with BBD Lactate Fast and BBD Styling Gel.
WRAPS: Apply small amt with Lacate Fast and Extra Setting Lotion. Sculp hair and proceed to hair dryer. Apply Keala Oil after completely dry.
RELAXERS, CURLS, AND NATURALS: Saturate hair until totally covered. Plastic cap and under dryer for 30 mins.

OLAY PRO X : I love it!!! In particular the Eye Restoration Complex. I want to sing it from the mountain tops! I noticed a few vertical lines under my left eye (I NEARLY DIED!), my first lines ever (I am 29 years old) and I freaked out! I ran to CVS (literally drove like a maniac) and bought this as part of the Starter Kit. Olay’s starter kit for their Pro-X anti-aging line consists of the Pro-X Age Repair Lotion with SPF 30 (1oz), Pro-X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream (1oz) and the Pro-X Eye Restoration Complex (0.3oz ). Within a week the lines were gone! No kidding! I have a lot of yellow undertones in my skin and am prone to darkness around the eyes. I am happy to report they have been significantly reduced (only I can see them at this stage which is awesome!) . I love the other ProX products too but this one is the best of them all. It totally exceeded my expectations as I tend to be quite dubious about some of these formulations. This stuff though, it works! I do find it a little pricey for the quantity however to stave off the aging process and protect my youthful appearance I forked it out willingly. I do wish it were a little cheaper so I could use it liberally. LOL There is a money back guarantee from Olay if it doesn't work for you but the way that I feel I could kiss who ever made this stuff. Its super! Available at CVS and other stores Approx: $43.00

Elasta QP Mango Butter Moisturizer

Elasta QP Mango Butter Moisturizer: I really had high expectations about this product after all the buzz about it online. After buying it I really don't see what the big deal about it is. Maybe the smell??? I found it okay on my hair in very small doses, really to calm the little fly aways and keep hair in place but moisturizer??? NO WAY! I would buy it again because its waxiness does keep my hair from flying around and is better than using glaze or gel. Apart from that I am not impressed with its emollient properties. I used it on my daughters hair and it made her hair very heavy and sticky. Not a moisturizer, this stuff is something else. Approx $5.99

Proactiv Acne System

Proactiv Acne System : I use the entire acne system which includes the repairing lotion. I absolutely need this. Without it my skin breaks out badly. I have used it since 2004 and I had serious acne back then. It was ugly and embarrassing. Prior to Proactiv I used EVERYTHING including Retin-A, Accutane for 6 months, Antibiotics and the pill. None of these things gave me a permanent solution for the acne problem. Finally at my wits end a friend recommended Proactiv to me and within 2 weeks my skin was improving. It worked so-oooo well, I threw a little party with my friends to celebrate. I kept hoping the effects would last, I was so pleased. I have even been for facials and have been told that I have very clean pores which makes me feel proud because I never believed I could have beautiful skin. It will irritate your skin at first and it may make your skin feel dry. I used Cetaphil (Aqueous Creme) for the first 3 months as a moisturizer after appliying the Repairing Lotion to give my skin some moisture and soothing from the initial dryness. After the acne dried up my skin eventually normalized and now I get compliments on my skin all the time. When I have slacked off and stopped using it due to laziness, the spots begin popping back up as happened to me about 3 weeks ago. I had stopped using it for about 3 months and what do you know... those pimples began popping right up again. I use the face mask once per week and leave it on for 1 hour (the box says less). I recommend it to those suffering from acne as something to definitely try and persist with it for about 2 months and see it it helps you.

A word about the Proactiv Make-up: This was awful! The color was very ugly on me. The foundation was very drying and gives a whole new meaning to the concept of a matte appearance. Oh boy, never again. They should stick to the regular proactiv acne system which I love.

Three piece Proactiv Acne Kit $49.00 www.proactiv.com

Luminess Air Pro Makeup Kit

Luminess Air : I have found the answer to all my make-up woes with the Luminess Air: Airbrush Makeup System. I have not had it long, mine arrived about 2 months ago. I have used it nearly everyday since and I have to say "I LOVE IT!". I am finally getting used to using it, it takes a little practice before you get the hang of it. My complexion looks amazing with this. I can do the most amazing contouring and covering for an even, FIERCE, flawless complexion. I do have to combine 2 shades (F5 and F7) to get the right shade for my skin tone which sucks but I rather that than be off color. Do remember to use moisturizer before applying it though. The first time I used it without moisturizer my skin looked a little dry and scaly. I found the shipping ridiculous ($32!!! for standard shipping WHAT!!!). They only mentioned the shipping cost after my card had been charged so I was a little upset at the high cost but soon calmed down when it arrived and I tried it out. Everyone keeps telling me how gorgeous my skin looks and I am thrilled! For someone with sensitive skin that hates old sponges and brushes the air brush approach is best for me because nothing ever has to touch my skin. I also joined the make-up club which sends out your shade on a recurring basis to you so that you never run out. Cost excluding shipping $300.00 Purchase at www.luminessair.com