I had to gather the troops to get today’s post to you. In the interest of reviewing for a range of needs, sometimes I enlist “Team Belle Belle” to give products a whirl. While I have fine hair that is easily weighed-down, I knew my buddy M would have the perfect hair to try this trio out.
Kerastase’s Discipline Collection is designed to help manage unruly hair without the interference of harmful chemicals. The formula works by creating a hair fiber that is smooth but still swingy. M reports that her hair is “sooooo soft” and left her mane full of movement. One attribute that I can definitely corroborate is that the shampoo, conditioner and spray all smell wonderful. The best part: it was just as great or better on day 2. I’ll conclude with M’s finally takeaway: “it is a new favorite!”
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
I admit I still haven’t mastered my hair. It is fine and wavy but somewhat confused. The front is bone straight. And while the texture is fine, there is loads of it. And the back just keeps getting wavier and wavier but not in a controlable way. It is more “ugly frizz” than “beachy waves.”
But while I haven’t “mastered” my hair, I have managed to find a couple products that allow me to rough dry my hair and look mildly presentable and not like 100% crazy person during the work week. While these products are luxury, I find I am washing my hair less often these days. So I am willing to splurge a bit to keep my routine at its shortest possible.
First up, shampoo and conditioner. I absolutely adore Oribe – there is something so polished and luxe about the line. Stylist Oribe Canales has been around since the 1970s but his hair care line is going stronger than ever. He uses technology and amazing fragrances (powered by French perfumes) to balance looks, scent and performance.
The Gold Lust line is ideal to strengthen my weakened strands – I wear my hair up a lot! The formula is powered with healing cypress, argan and maracuja oils and the bio-restorative complex works on strands and scalp. Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo has that satisfying lather but still leaves hair luscious. This also would be ideal for someone who colors or styles their hair to the point of damage. Color safe, formulated without parabens, sulfates or sodium chloride and vegan & cruelty/gluten-free.
The Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Conditioner leaves skin insanely shiny. Also using oils, the formula works on damage. It provides moisture without leaving hair heavy. Also color safe and free of parabens, sulfates or sodium chloride. I cannot find if this one is specifically vegan & cruelty/gluten-free (if you know… please feel free to let me know via twitter or in the comments).
I try to let my hair air dry for a while before styling. But if truth be told, I love the snooze button and I am usually in a massive rush. So I’ll rough dry (I like this brand) and finish with Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Perfect Texture Finishing Spray. It gives texture and volume without taking away movement. I can’t stand stiff hair. Plus it smells amazing! The spray action that Alterna uses is perfected so you get a continuous, even stream from 8 inches away from the head. I like to use both on my roots and ends.
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Samples generously provided by Neiman Marcus as part of the Beauty Ambassador Program. I consult for Neiman Marcus which is affiliated with the Neiman Marcus Group, but as always, opinions are my own.
I’m certainly not going to turn down a reason to relax. For some reason, this week I have been filled with sluggishness. I don’t know if it is the heat or just being a little worn down. Or the myriad of tech difficulties that plagued Monday and Tuesday. But either way, I am going to use National Relaxation Day as an excuse for a little pampering.
In honor of this holiday (yes, I am going to call this a holiday), Neutrogena sent over some of their most relaxation worthy products: Rainbath Shower & Bath Gel, Body Oil, Norwegian Formula Hand Cream and Triple Repair Leave-In Treatment.
I was familiar with all of these goodies, but they haven’t been in my rotation in a while. Needless to say, Rainbath is a long time favorite. The newest scent, pear & green tea, has quickly become a favorite. And their Body Oil probably can be considered the original. There is no wonder they do it so well. It never leaves me greasy, smells amazing and absorbs quickly. I like to apply to damp skin at the end of my shower.
Then onto the hair. My poor hair. It is so dry at the ends. I am vastly overdue for a cut. But until then, Triple Repair Leave-In helps me get more shine and a boost in moisture.
Last but not least is a hand cream that admittedly hasn’t been on my list of favorites in the past. I always thought it was super greasy. What I have discovered is that this hand cream isn’t the one you want to throw into your purse for during the work day. For me, this version works wonders right before bed so you have the whole night for hands to absorb all that hydration.
Right now, drugstore.com is offering 20% off all beauty and personal care so it is a great time to stock up on Neutrogena goodies.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
Summer is the time for those dream trips, often abroad. Even if we don’t have one planned, we might be daydreaming about being on a beach in Greece or strolling the Parisian avenues. Without leaving our vanities, we can bring the exotic into our lives via beauty. So many of the international beauty staples have withstood the test of time, making them a must-have. This morning on Tulsa Live (formally Great Day Green Country), I shared some of my favorites to transport me to travel hotspots:
I can’t help but start off with my favorite destination, France. And what is more French than Caudalie, a skin care line built upon the benefits of Grape-seed Polyphenols, the most powerful anti-oxidants in the plant world. Caudalie Polyphenol c15 Overnight Detox Oilis one of the newest from the brand and is also made in France. The team has coupled the anti-oxidants with stabilized Vitamin C to block free-radicals. The dry oil soaks in and regenerates skin while you sleep. Plus, the smell will lull you to snoozeville with Carrot, Lavender, and White Sandalwood ($52).
Another dream location I hope to visit one day is the Dead Sea, a natural phenomenon I have always been fascinated with. No wonder I love AHAVA, a collection that utilizes minerals found in the Dead Sea in every single product.AHAVA Natural Dead Sea Mudtransports that special mineral-rich mud right to your shower. The mud is harvested from the banks where clay is packed with an ultra-high concentration of minerals that can foster healthy looking skin. Excess oil, dead skin and toxins are whisked away while the mud stimulates circulation and improves skin tone. And calling all athletes and workaholics: this mud treatment can also help with stress and muscle aches. Just dirty up and spread all over your body, leave on for 15 minutes and rinse ($15).
Asia is still on my bucket list (if you don’t count my couple days in the part of Turkey that lies on the continent). My cousin has a passion for Japan and I think it has rubbed off on me. After all, Japan lays claim one of the great skin care cultures. One reason could be the availability of Wakame, a seaweed that grows along the coast of Japan and is often said to be the reason why Japanese women have youthful skin even into old age. H2O Plus Face Oasis CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA +++ contains a wakame compound that offers tons of anti-aging properties including a natural sunscreen and protection against the loss of Hyaluronic Acid. While CC creams generally have heavier coverage in my experience, this version is sheer to medium coverage and can brighten skin without being heavy. Bonus points for the inclusion of chemical free sunscreen ($35). Note: this line flies under the radar but is fabulous for relatively affordable skin care.
And we couldn’t round up this virtual world tour without a couple of stops in Africa. It seems that African ingredients are having somewhat of a moment in the beauty industry. First up is the super-popular Argan Oil from the Argan Tree of Morocco. I know we all have seen it on shelves, but what exactly is Argan Oil? The Berber people of Morocco discovered the culinary, cosmetics and medicinal benefits of Argan Oil. Unroasted Argan Oil is traditionally used as a treatment for skin diseases. In cosmetics, Argan Oil is advocated as moisturizing oil, working against flaky skin as well as nourishing and fortifying the hair. L’Oreal harnessed Argan’s nourishing benefits to heal dull, dry and damaged hair with Oleo Therapy. The Oleo Therapy collection is sulfate-free and contain six flower oils to provide nutrition and hydration to strands ($6.99 – 12.99).
Lastly, let’s head South to South Africa for another oil that has been part of beauty rituals for centuries. Marula fruit fates back as far as 10,000 BC. No wonder since its miracle oil can protect skin in severe climates. Marula Oil is packed with antioxidants and omega-9 fatty acids which can fight free radicals, prevent water loss and improve elasticity. Erno Laszlo Phormula 3-9 Cream is a nutritional supplement that packs a hydration punch and works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Expect renewed skin and a more youthful appearance. I love this cream after a ski day or a pool afternoon. It even calms my red flush after a run and can be used on the face and body ($265).
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
How to beat the heat while keeping our polished but still natural looks in place? I’ll be on FOX23’s Tulsa Live (formerly Great Day Green Country) this morning chatting all about how to keep makeup in place now that we are in the full swing of sweltering summer heat.
Starting top to bottom, make sure to protect your strands with Biolage COLORLAST Shine Shake with SPF. This spray adds tone and shine while providing a UV filter that can keep colored hair from fading. Aveda recently added Sun Care Protective Hair Veil to their lineup. This is also a lightweight, water-resistant UV-defense mist, which forms an invisible screen to help protect hair from sun exposure for up to 16 hours, minimizing color fading, damage and dryness.
Swap out regular eyeliner and mascara for waterproof versions. Instead of heavy eyeliner, opt for liquid liner between last roots on the top lid only. This will ensure staying power, especially if you use a waterproof formula like EyekoAlexa Chung Lash Enhancing Eye Do Eyeliner. Flower, Drew Barrymore’s makeup line available at Wal-Mart, makes an inky waterproof mascara that can stand up to the most brutal summer heat. FLOWER Extreme Measures Lengthening Mascara uses an hourglass shaped brush for tons of coverage and shine, not to mention conditions lashes.
Mai Couture Papier Blush, Bronzer and Highlighter papers are perfect on the go touch-ups while absorbing excess oil and adding a needed summer glow. They are also perfect for holiday travel allowing you to skip liquids and extra brushes.
For the ultimate in staying power, use Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray and makeup will not budge. Weightless and undetectable, the formula was developed in partnership with SKINDINÄVIA and works with all skin types. By controlling the temperature of your makeup, eyeliner, foundation, eye shadow, blush and concealer stay in place in both hot and humid (and cold and windy) conditions. Bonus: it also prevents makeup from settling into fine lines.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
My hair is getting crazy long and I just keep procrastinating my trims. With the growing length, I am often tempted to throw this mane up in a bun. But during a fun birthday celebration a couple weeks ago, a friend challenged me to “embrace the crazy” (my hair’s general state if I don’t dry it) and wear my air-dried hair down. You know what? It is liberating. So much so that I am striving for this above by next summer. I’ve been washing with my favorite Kerastase shampoo, skipping conditioner and using my most beloved leave-in spray … liberally. And my “undone” look is surprisingly pleasing. What do you think about wild untamed long hair?
Some sales and goodies from around the web this week:
There is some crazy sale business happening over on ASOS with up to 70% off. Particularly love the bow detail on this dress.
