High shine is a must if you have natural black or color treated hair. Lacklustre black strands are dull and uninspiring. After my botched hair dye job in 2016, my hair was damaged beyond repair. Any treatments I applied just ensured that there was no further damage, but there was nothing that would bring my hair back to the healthy, shiny black bob it was before my attempt to go blonde. I'm certain my hair is healthier a year and half later, cause it's simply grown out. Now I can focus on maintaining a healthy mane and super shinny strands..

When Bumble and Bumble (my favorite hair product line) launched a line of Bb. Color Gloss in warm blonde, cool blonde, brunette, universal red and clear - I immediately had to have this enhancing hair gloss. I do like some Bumble and Bumble products better than others, but this luxury hair brand rarely disappoints. I purchased the Bb. Color Gloss in clear and had HUGE expectations.

You apply the product to dry hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse, and go about your normal hair care routine. The scent is strange to say the least, but it is a color treatment (to all you people hating on the smell). The solution appears to have sparkles in it? Yeah, I had little sparkles on my face, along the hairline. Of course, you're gonna rinse and wash your hair, so the sparkles are useless. The process was easy, but the results lacked lustre. My hair was shiny, but it's always shiny AND I was expecting something miraculous to happen. I was hoping the sun would reflect off my hair and cause people to look away! I'm a little disappointed.

My hair did however feel incredibly soft and clean. As many of you know, super clean hair is not ideal - it's too soft, hard to style and typically lays flat. I didn't do anything else different that day, so I'm going to assume that the Bb. Color Gloss was the culprit.

I should point out that I applied the clear luminous hair gloss to already shiny black hair, so maybe my opinion should be taken with a grain a salt. I would imagine that if you have red hair, this stuff may be life changing. Blonde, red, pink, silver - these are all vibrant shades that require attention. An instant lustre pick-me-up between salons visits may keep your strands looking brilliant.

Another great hair product to keep your strands looking fresh and vibrant is the Bumble and Bumble Bb. Color Stick. This twist-up, crayon-like color stick is the perfect root touch-up product. The formula is water resistant - don't worry about color running down your face, neck and clothes if you get caught in the rain. The stick is compact and takes a little while to cover your roots (or grays), but is great for travel and on-the-go touch ups.

The Bumble and Bumble Bb. Color Stick is available in five natural shades - blonde, dark blonde, brown, red and black. There are four limited edition statement hues - Ballet (pale pink), Lilac (purple-ish-blue), Flamingo (fuchsia), and Pacific (a vibrant blue). The highly-pigmented color sticks are a great temporary solution to roots and grays or just enhancing your color with vibrant streaks. I also have an uneven hairline, and use the Bb. Color Stick to fill-in my fine hair for a full look.

I read an article about these magnetic faux-lashes in July 2016 and HAD TO HAVE THEM! I'm sure I was one of the first people to order One Two Lashes for myself and my friends. I was on the waiting list for many months. BUT after a brief encounter, I tucked them away in my twelve story Cosmocube and forgot about them.

A year + later, I decided to give this innovative product another go.. I am a huge fan of faux-lashes. AND I had sky-high hopes for these magnetic false lashes by One Two Cosmetics.

I want to like these false lashes, but they don't sit on my natural lashes well. The idea is genius, but the design needs a little tweaking. The magnets attach well and hold, but the shape of the lash band is unnatural. The band is practically straight and doesn't shape your natural eyelid. If you're like me and wear very little eye makeup, these misshaped lashes are super obvious and kinda look cheap. THEY ARE NOT CHEAP. When I originally purchased One Two Lashes they retailed for $59 and today for $69. These lashes are not worth the high cost.

The application is easy (once you get the hang of it). It took me a good hour to play with them and master the positioning. You use your thumb and index finger to hold the lashes (one in each hand) and 'simply' place one under your natural lashes and one above. The tiny, rectangular shaped magnets will catch immediately. There's no glue, so you can move them around slightly and quickly remove them to reset the position. The removal is easy - just slide the magnets apart.

These One Two Lashes are half strips and meant to be used on the outer lash line. I'm a fan of enhancing your outer lashes - half strips lift and enhance your eyes. Half strips may however be a deterrent for anyone seeking a super-dramatic look. I think if you wear a ton of eye makeup (to mask the straight-band design) and possibly apply two sets of these faux-lashes, it might look ok. MAYBE! Before you purchase these lashes, watch youtube videos. There's great reviews featuring One Two Lash application and the results.

Magnetic lashes is a great idea, and with proper execution, can change the faux-lash industry dramatically. The only downside to faux-lashes is the glue and lasting damage from glue toxins and aggressive removal. Magnetic lashes eliminate the glue and are gentle on your natural lashes. Someone please revisit this design and make it work! Maybe a strip of micro-magnets along the band and a proper band shape would be more successful (hint hint).

While doing a little research for this blog post, I noticed that One Two Cosmetics released full coverage lashes. I've ordered two styles and will post a detailed review in the next few weeks. My fingers are crossed!

Maybe it's the insanely cold weather, and I'm in a boot mood - Nah, I'm just obsessed with shoes! I'm browsing the web and drooling over these boots - and a pair of sneakers.

Stretch boots by Rick Owens are my dream boot. These cotton and lambskin stretch boots are my two favorite shoe designs in-one - a flat shoe and sock-like fit. I'm old'ish' and appreciate flats. I used to prounce around in five-inch heels, through the snow, on ice.. these days, I'm opting for practical, but trendy shoes. These stretch boots are perfect. Too bad I blew the shoe budget on Fendi Rockoko boots (insert sad face).

I'm a Yeezy 'clothing' fan. AND love these Yeezy (season 5) ankle boots. The black jersey fabric and fitted sock style look great with fitted pants and my favorite - sweatpants. Yeah, I wear high-heeled boots with my sweatpants. These boots are also available in beige. Beware though, I have a few pair of Yeezy boots and they're anything but comfy!

Each season Fendi reinvents the Rockoko boot. The style remains 'perfect', but the new colors and embellishments carry this boot season to season. I'm obsessed with Fendi Rockoko boots. They are super comfy and look great with everything. This season, the pearl bow design is my favorite. The black stretch yarn is embellished with a row of pearls that create a double bow on the vamp. LOVE! Admittedly, I'm not coveting these Fendi boots - I already purchased them and am waiting for the snow to melt, so I can show them off!

I'm a huge sneaker fan (flats are friends). Saint Laurent classic canvas sneakers are easy-going with a little hmm.. 'Saint Laurent'. I like the combination of white canvas with off-white laces and eye stay. I typically don't wear clothing and accessories with designer names printed on them,  but I'll make an exception for these sneakers. The muted shades and messy Saint Laurent print is subtle and giving me a Golden Goose vibe.

Due to my botched hair job in June 2016 (YES 2016 and I’m still repairing my strands!). I've been avoiding anything that omits heat in fear of further damage to my hair. It's been a long healing process and I've spent a small fortune on treatments and products. BUT my hair is finally 'almost' back to its original state and can take a little heat. I'm excited to experiment with hair products (other than repair haircare) and stylers..

The Polished Perfection Mini Straightening Brush by Amika is great for travel, on-the-go styling and touch-ups. The straightener and hairbrush in-one device smooths your hair, leaving it shiny and frizz-free. This mini heated styler is meant for touch-ups, not all-over styling. I have very fine, short hair, so it does meet my styling needs. If you have a long mane, this styler is not for you - you'd be hours tryna tame your strands.

Amika's mini-thermal straightening brush has a consistent temperature of 410° (210°). That's hot! I've read that 365° is optimal for safe styling. My go-to hair straightener, the T3 SinglePass Compact Iron, also has a set temperature of 410° and I don’t find it damages my hair - I usually pass the iron once quickly by sections and I only straighten my hair twice a week. I’m sure lingering and continuously passing the iron along your hair would cause damage at a high temperature of 410°. Be careful!

The design is great. The brush is small - only 7 inches in length and has an easy-grip handle. The 360° swivel cord is heatproof and allows you to style with ease. The ceramic bristles with Nylon Cool-tips glide through your hair easily, straightening from all-around. It does take a little practice to master this styler.

The original Polished Perfection Straightening Brush is full-sized. The design is the same but is quite a bit larger. You can adjust the temperature on the original, but the voltage is only 120V. The mini version has universal voltage - 110 to 240V, which is small enough to throw in your tote and travel-friendly. The Polished Perfection Mini Straightening Brush comes with a rose-gold toned travel pouch. You could fit two mini brushes in the pouch - I'd prefer it was more fitted to the device. I suggest throwing your hair accessories in there too.

The M.A.C Snow Ball collection is AMAZING! I wish I was privy to the launch sooner, cause many items sold out before I had the chance to splurge. The collection is winter themed, sparkly and festive. This Christmas I put the Here Comes Joy Face Powder in my stocking - yes, I filled my stocking with amazing gifts. The high-impact shimmer highlights your face and illuminates your complexion. Apply to your cheek bones, brighten your eyes and create a luminescent finish on your décolletage.

I love the Festive Bling! crystal and glitter festive adornment. It's the perfect accessory for a sparkly event. You can apply the adornment as shown or use individual pieces for a custom look. This face or body bling is unique and fun. The crystal and glitter snowflake adornment can be reworn - just gently remove from your skin and place back on the card till your next 'sparkly event'.

I'm a makeup brush addict. Especially, travel makeup brushes. Every year I purchase a Bobbi Brown brush set, but this year I went with M.A.C Cosmetics brush sets. I'm kinda in a M.A.C mood these days.. During the holidays M.A.C Cosmetics releases a themed collection. Last year the theme was the Nutcracker. I love the cosmetic bags from last years collection. This past holiday season was the Snow Ball collection. A winter themed collection with sparkles, sparkles, sparkles..

I don't really need all three makeup brush sets - I don't 'need' any makeup brushes! But each set had something I wanted, so I purchased all of them. I'm beyond happy with the quality of these brushes. The bristles are super soft and the glitter-embellished handles add a little sparkle to my cosmetic/travel bag. I especially like the brow groomer - the brush is big and the bristles are soft. It's a great brush for taming your brows.

The silver brush set contains your basic brushes - powder, pointed foundation, all-over shadow, smudging liner and brow groomer. The gold brush set includes an angled powder, angled foundation, angled large shadow, angled small shadow and pointed liner brush. The little rose gold set (my favorite color and bag) has three brushes - a powder, large shadow and small angled brush. Each brush set comes with a sparkly cosmetic bag. They each have a fluffy pompom (love that).

The silver and gold makeup brush sets are in the 'goodbyes' section online, so they're on sale and will soon be out of stock. These makeup brush sets would be a great Valentines Day gift..

I'm addicted to lip products - balms, slaves, lipstick and plumbers. My 'enhanced' lips are, well, a little pouty and super plumped, so I choose muted shades of coral and nude to minimize the lip drama. Red lips would not look good on me - It would be like lips wearing a face! I don't think my dermatologist would allow me to inject more filler, so I opt for plumbers, exfoliating products and super nourishing balms to keep my lips oh-so-pouty.

Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Tint-in-balm is a hybrid lipstick-balm with sheer color. I love the lip-shaped balm center inside the creamy lipstick and the pomegranate scent is addictive. I like color 3 - Call Me Rose (bubblegum pink). It's subtle and slightly glossy. This Tint-in-balm is perfect for those no-makeup-makeup days.

Niki's Nude lipstick by M.A.C Cosmetics is my new favorite shade. The soft corally-pink is perfect on my pale skin tone. I apply balm to nourish, and then Niki's Nude lipstick. This lipstick is creamy and glides on nicely. Both Niki Minaj lipsticks by M.A.C Cosmetics can be found in the 'goodbye' section and are on sale.

Lip exfoliators are amazing for removing dry skin, nourishing AND making your lips appear bigger. The slightly aggressive circular motion of exfoliating and tiny grains increase the blood flow - this increases the volume of your lips and make them appear naturally rosier. I recommend you exfoliate your lips two to three times per week.

I recently purchased Lip Scrubtious by M.A.C Cosmetics - partially because I was in a 'M.A.C mood', but mostly due to the name. The sweet vanilla scent is delicious and the product tastes yummy. I'm not suggesting you eat your lip exfoliators, but it's gonna get in your mouth, so choosing a tasty exfoliator is necessary.

Lip Scrubtious is gentle - much less aggressive than my other go-to exfoliators. I use this sugar-based lip product everyday. This lip exfoliator is available in five flavors - Candied Nectar, Fruit of Passion, Summer berry, Sweet Brown Sugar and Sweet Vanilla.

KNC Beauty Collagen Infused Lip Masks are super fun. There are five masks in a package, so you can share (maybe). These all-natural, jelly-like lip masks moisturize your lips, and well, they're just fun to use. Apply the squishy mask to your lips and relax for 15-20 minutes. These lip masks are great for a lazy night of pampering.

It's Christmas morning and I'm wearing - Wildfox Classic Coke Sommers Sweater, Wildfox Under The Mistletoe Toe Jack Jogger

Statement sleeves are having a fashion moment. Fashion-forward ladies are doing elongated, oversized, flared, layered and bell or balloon-shaped sleeves. Statement sleeves elevate your look - even paired with simple bottoms, a statement sleeve enhances your fashion-style. AND they look great in a photo (especially hailing taxi or dancing in the street). Movement in fashion attracts attention and makes for an excellent Instagram pic. 

I consider myself a fashionable person, and I follow trends intently, but I do sway on the subtle side of each fashion trend. I don't wear loud colors or outrageous shapes, and if the trend is statement sleeves, I'll opt for a muted shade and simple version of the in-the-moment style. 

Acne Studios Cleo cotton turtleneck top (available at mytheresa.com) is light-weight, light-hued and has elongated frill cuffs that will hang out of your sweater or jacket. This style is simple with a little 'flare'. 

This Fendi fur-embellished cotton blend sweatshirt (available at mytheresa.com) is my favorite bell-sleeve style. Fox and mink fur in the shape of flowers give this sweatshirt a playful vibe. This Fendi sweatshirt would look great with straight bottoms, or silk joggers and heels.

This bell-sleeve cotton top by See by Chloé (available at Farfetch) is feminine and chic. The three-quarter length sleeves are slightly flared, bell-shaped and ruched. This top would look great with flared jeans. See by Chloe clothing styles often have a romantic vibe - I love this brand. 

I'm a HUGE sweatpants fan - with sneakers, booties or heels, I can don joggers everyday. This bell-sleeve sweater by Cyclas pairs perfectly with fitted sweatpants and sock-like booties. The two-toned gray sweater is made of silk, mohair and wool. This sweater screams my name, BUT it's sold out everywhere (insert sad face).

It's been a Christmas gifts marathon on b.a.gorgie.com this past week. I'm feelin' festive and have too many gift ideas. This post is my favorite - Christmas Inspired gifts are perfect for just about anyone who celebrates this festive holiday. Christmas themed gifting is easy and fun - really all that's required is red (Christmas red) and white - the rest is up to you.

Christmas ornaments are the perfect gift for that annoying friend who obsesses over Christmas, puts up the tree in November and wraps 'all' the gifts three weeks before Christmas. That's me! Pier One Imports is my favorite store to shop for Christmas decor and tree ornaments. Each year Pier One releases new ornaments and decor while keeping with their theme.

Festive outfits area a must on Christmas day. I go head-to-toe in Christmas inspired clothing and accessories. Christmas themed headbands are a fun and inexpensive gift for anyone who opts to wear Christmas attire. Michael's has a great selection of Christmas headbands this year.

The brand that gave us Felicia the Flamingo lip balm has released Frenchie the Bulldog lip balm. A peppermint flavored lip balm, incased in a plastic bulldog. Frenchie the Bulldog wears a removable holiday sweater. This is my favorite stocking stuffer this year. It's fun, Christmas themed and I LOVE lip balms.

You can never have enough socks and Christmas socks are essential on that special day. Cozy, decorative socks are an easy gift for that person who has everything. They're fun and thoughtful - who doesn't love cozy socks. I'll be wearing these candy cane socks on December 25th.

Friends are asking me for advice on their holiday party outfits and I say Sequins and glitter. Christmas and glitter go together like, umm.. Christmas and glitter. I decorated my house and put my tree up weeks ago - there's glitter everywhere. My poor little puppy has glitter in his fur! He also spent the first few days licking glitter off the glitter embellished wrapping paper. Umm.. you can imagine.

The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to throw on some sequins, wear red (I never wear red), and go way overboard with your makeup. This is the time shine (insert wink).

I do suggest you don a sequin dress or glittery shoes to your parties, but there are also some unconventional sequin styles out there for everyday wear. Ports 1961 black and army green oversized wool sweater (available at Farfetch) is a 'sequin statement'. LOVE. This oversized sequin embellished sweater is perfect for a day event. Paired with fitted jeans and booties, this look is festive and 'really' unique.

My girlfriend wore these sequin embellished boots while we were in Vegas and she rocked it. They're loud and fabulous (maybe not for everyone). Her look inspired me to post some glitter on the blog. Steve Madden's take on the Saint Laurent Niki over-the-knee crystal boots is perfect for the rest of us that can't afford $10,000 boots. The crystal embellished textile of these Crushing boots by Steve Madden will add a little festive sparkle to your look. Pair these with fitted jeans and an oversized wool sweater for the perfect holiday season day look.

Fashionable backpacks are having a moment. This holiday season pair your party dress with a small, glittery backpack. You can dance, wave your arms around like crazy and your stuff is tucked safely away in your stylish backpack. This gold-tone glitter backpack by Love Mochino (available at Farfetch) is the perfect party accessory.

I'm obsessed with these jeans - Dolce & Gabbana sequin hem cropped flare jeans (available at Farfetch) are casually chic. The gold-tone sequin hem contrasts the dark blue shade and paired with the distressed edge - this style says 'I'm trendy, I'm sparkly and I'm just down right f**kin' cool'.