SheBreathes | Breathing Beauty

We Love | Histoires de Parfums

Histoires de Parfums by perfumer Gérald Ghislain has become a fast favorite of mines. Ghislain pays homage to historical figures like Cassanova, George Sand, Marquis de Sade, and Mata Hari by interpreting their essence in liquid form. From the heady 1804 George Sand (a mix of Tahitian gardenia, vanilla, and clove) to the floral essence of Vert Pivoine. There is a lot to love about a perfume brand that takes history seriously. Each one is sensually captivating and worthy of being whiffed and worn.

Images Courtesy of Histoires de Parfums

Hair Diary | Curls Gone Wild

I'm always amazed at the amount of time I spend with my hair, now that I no longer get it blown straight — this use to be a weekly ritual. Sometimes it's downright frustrating. But, I'm always willing to try a new product once, before marrying it. Like my skin, my hair goes through seasonal changes. She use to love Herbal Essence "Hello Hydration", now she frizzes-out to it. It's a constant give and take, which can leave you exhaused and nearly broke. A few months ago I gave into a few products that I kept hearing about, like the Moroccanoil, which my hair prefers in doses. I purchased the smallest bottle they offered, because again when you're on a new product hunt this is better on your pocket and easier to give away.

Above are my curls after I washed, conditioned, and slathered on the oil with a bit of Aveda's "Be Curly" Curl Enhancer.

I also tried the Desert Essence Organic Coconut Conditioner, which my hair absolutely adores! Not to mention it smells divine.

Above is a foto after I used the Coconut conditioner, my hair was super-soft with little frizz.

Because my hair has several different textures — from tight curls to loose curls, and it's thick, it's so hard to find a good leave-in, that will both nourish and moisturise. I really wanted to love the Aveda's Be Curly, because a friend of mines lives by it, but my hair rejected it. Now, I have an entire tube of product that I can't use because my hair screamed NO. I must admit, I tried this product when I cut years worth of growing, but now that it's longer again I'm going to give it another try. Longer hair poses more of a frizz problem for me. Have any of you ever tried any of these products? If so, what are your thoughts/opinions?

My next hair story will be about trying to find a right balance of products for naturally curly and color-treated hair, stay tuned!

All Fotos © SheBreathes

Beauty Diary | The Brasilian Wax {J-Sisters}

I cringe whenever someone moans about our {read Brasilian} cruel waxing methods. I also loathe when people say "I'm going to get a Brasilian" {smile}, it's like the silliest thing to me; but I'm digressing. What I really wanted to talk about is my love for the seven Brasilian sisters who brought the Brasilian wax stateside — the J-Sisters. I adore the J-Sisters because they're masters at the method and match what you actually get done in Brasil – trust me I've tried other salons. Not the same. In fact most were excruciatingly bad.

They do the perfect little landing strip, and no it's not a bald eagle. Luckily for all of you who can't make it to NYC to get the next best thing to flying to Brasil, you can direct whoever does your waxing to their products, which make all the difference if you ask me. All the items included in their starter wax kit can be purchased separately or together.

Fotos Courtesy of J-Sisters

All the products above are available in their e-shop.

We Love | Sugarcoat Nail & Beauty Bar

I was introduced to Sugarcoat Nail & Beauty Bar in Atlanta a few months ago. A friend of mines took me here while I was visiting for a mani/pedi. Upon entering I felt like I was in the Willy Wonker Chocolate factory of beauty. The staff was helpful, sweet, and their vibrant energy epitomized the definition of the "Georgia Peach", which is the sweetest kind of Southern hospitality. Sugarcoat is all about natural nail care, which is an absolute plus! Nail files, buffers, and toe separators are never shared.

I tried the "Escape to Fiji" combo. I loved it so much I've been trying to duplicate it at home. It was a completely indulgent experience that I can't wait to try again. May I suggest you run to their oasis if you're ever in the Buckhead area of Atlanta.

All images are courtesy of Sugarcoat Nail & Beauty Bar©

Beauty Diary | More Summer Nail Polish

I'm on the hunt for more colours, not just banana! I picked-up these cheap and vibrant colours on my way to the airport for Rio. I'm currently in São Paulo and there are a plethora of options here, all of which I will share on my next update. I usually purchase cheaper brands, play around with them, and then purchase a similar colour from either Butter or Essie. Not sure if I like these just yet, but will let you know how it plays out, and please excuse the chipped polish, it was before my touch-up {hehe}. My next manicure and pedicure will be all about Brasil and the World Cup, just a tad bit nationalist {smile}.

Fotos SheBreathes

Have an awesome weekend! And Tamra will be back on here with Beauty goodies soon! Checkout her feature on the main blog in the meantime.

Beauty Diary | Summer Nail Colour {Banana}

Last weekend I shared on twitter a new nail colour I was trying-out — Banana. The colour I used with my last mani/pedi was from a brand that's sold by distributors to stores and it was only about $2 or $3 bucks from Beauty Treats. I found it at Mandee's while with a friend and her teenage sister. It held-up for a few days on my manicure before a new coat was needed. It's doing much better on my toes. I will be testing other Banana colours and will share my diary of sorts to find the perfect one, as it pops against my skin and it's not orange or any other "summery" colour that I'm not a fan of {smile}.

With this particular brand you need to add at least 2 to 3 coats for it to give you a truly banana colour, but this is counterproductive to a lasting manicure without chipping, thus why I'm searching for a richer Banana colour. All suggestions are welcomed!

Fotos © SheBreathes

The Colour of Beauty Documentary

I'm so amazed by this industry that I consider myself a part of. Race, beauty, and fashion is a discussion that still needs to be had, because despite all the efforts in the world there still seems to be a definite level of racism in this industry. And being one who is never afraid to tackle the issues, I ask that you do watch, click, and discuss. A very big thank you to Work for All for doing this documentary.

We Love | Aedes De Venustas

Aedes De Venustas is one my favourite places in all of New York City! This oasis is an opulence for your senses. A true fragrance bar, that transports you to scent heaven once you step inside. I've discovered many new favourites in this wondrous haven, because they let you linger and explore. What they offer is a lovely blend of the hard-to-find and accessible, thus why I couldn't resist singing their praises. Do visit, explore, and indulge. The service is impeccable and they set a bar that's not easily mimicked. Keep reading for a list of my favourites.

Fotos Courtesy of Aedes De Venustas

List of Favourite Scents:

L'Eté en Douce // Nez à Nez {Vanithé} //Sanguine Muskissime

Beauty Stop | Sephora

Today I met with my editor, DS to scour the entire floor of Sephora in Soho, New York. My excuse was to discover something new, but the truth is I'm a Sephora-addict! I can spend hours in this store. All the testing, smelling, squeezing, and buying sends me into a beauty frenzy! My purchases coming soon to a screen near you. For now the isles of Sephora is calling!

I can't take my eyes off of you Harajuki Lovers Sunshine Cuties! I need you baaaaby.

Multitude of hues for your lips!

Images © SheBreathes

We Love | Natura Brasil

Natura Brasil is one of my favourite brands! I've been using them forever, from their triple action body oils, exfoliates, body lotions and hand creams, to my favourite the Sève collection {the absolute best body oil in the world — Canela}. Below are some new products I've been trying from their EKOS line — Cacau, from the Cacau tree in Brasil, the scrub and hand cream. Natura's products are always based on my country's long standing commitment to sustainability and biodiversity.

I've also fallen in love with their Amor América collection. Below are the Paramala bath salts, bath oil and the Palo Santo perfume — all are intoxicatingly lush.

If you're ever in Paris do visit their boutique there and check the website for locations throughout Latin America. The Parisian site has an English version for all of you based stateside. Do explore their products and order, I promise you won't be disappointed.

Images © Natura Brasil