Hair Repair 101

Hey everyone! I know I haven't posted in a long, long, time and I'm so sorry! I promise I haven't forgotten about this blog!

Let's get right back to it!

Recently, I got purple streaks put in my hair. I love them, but the fact that my hairdresser had to bleach my hair first means that my hair is FRIED. Like, I haven't even had it this bad before.

It's been almost two weeks, and I've made a lot of progress. I still need to be really careful and persistent with the treatments, but my hair feels a little bit less straw-like and breakable.

It kills me, because my natural hair is actually really healthy, and I totally messed it up! It is going to take forever for the broken strands to grow back, too. :(

But I'm gonna take extra good care of my hair, and I'll let you in on my tips!!!

1. I've talked about this product line before, but I'll bring it up again. I literally swear by it; it's the L'Oreal EverCreme Intense Nourishing shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner. I use all three every day, and ever since I started using that line about a year ago, I have noticed a huge difference in the smoothness and elasticity of my hair. I still have a lot of coarse hair, but it is much less unruly than it was with any other hair products, and trust me, I've tried a lot.

2. Coconut Oil is the next best thing I have found for my hair. I started using it about a month or so ago, and I immediately noticed my hair feeling softer and healthier. What I do is scoop a lot out of the jar, turn upside-down, and smooth the oil down the length of my hair from my scalp towards the ends. After that is saturated, I'll smooth some over the top layer of my hair, focusing on the ends, and the roots of my hair at the back of my head. These are my problem areas, so obvious you should cater the process to fit your hair. I put my hair up into a top bun with a clip, put a shower cap on, and leave it for an hour. You can use a hair dryer to really help the oil to absorb--blast your hair, with the shower cap on, for about 10 minutes.

When you wash it out, you will notice that there is some residue. You can shampoo again, but if you don't need to look particularly nice, I would leave it in. I promise it won't look as greasy as you think! Condition like normal, and when you hair dries I promise you'll be stunned! I do this about twice a week.

3. Organix Hydrating Macadamia Oil. This deep conditioning treatment is a newer addition to my routine, and I use it every other day on the days I don't use coconut oil. After you wet your hair, you smooth it into your hair and leave it for 5 minutes (while you shave, for example), and rinse. It also makes your hair feel soft and luminous!

4. Heat Protection. So, as weird as it sound, straightening my hair actually makes it look less fried. Since my strands are such different lengths now, it looks better when they are all going in the same direction, which they don't do naturally. So, in order to keep my hair from getting fried again, I use two main products to beat the heat: Organix Extra Strength Moroccan Argan Oil and Got2B Guardian Angel Flat Iron Balm. The oil is seriously amazing for giving your hair movement and shine, and the "balm" (its a spray) is new to me, but seems to really protect my hair from damage.

5. Vitamins! Okay, you've most likely heard of Biotin before. Biotin is a vitamin that is most commonly used to support hair and nail growth. I know it works, because I have tried it multiple times, but it also makes me break out every time I try it. So, that isn't really an option for me, but a simple multivitamin can still give your skin, nails, and hair the vitamins and minerals they need.

6. Water is so important! I know you've heard it a million times, but it is so, so true that drinking lots of water helps you in so many ways. As far as your hair goes, it just increases it's general health, helping it to grow in stronger and healthier than before.  It also helps me to feel focused, more energetic, and also it clears up your skin!

February Wishlist

I'll make this short and sweet: I want things. 

Yes, I am a shameless shopaholic. I can't help it.

Well, I could if I wanted to, but I don't. So.

Here are the things that visit me in my dreams...

1. This ADORABLE bow from ColorDrop on Etsy.

2. Also from Etsy, these killer shades from txpgrove. 

3. Beach Glass Chuck Taylors.

4. Urban Decay's Naked 2 Palette from Sephora.

5. This Mercedes from Heaven...

That is all for now! 

xoxo,

My Tried-and-Trues

I am not one to buy the same product over and over again.

I'm constantly trying out new products, rarely re-purchasing.

But there are some things that I can't deny are simply the best, and I have found myself buying them time and time again!

Here they are, my tried-and-true products:

For my face:

Trader Joe's All-in-One Facial Cleanser. Trust me, I am the last person to expect anything good from a generic, simple facewash, but WHOA. I don't know what it is about this one, but it leaves my skin clean, smooth, and clear! Like, WHAT?

Nelson's Pure & Clear Nourishing Moisturizer for Acne Care. This is yet ANOTHER health foods store purchase! I got this from Whole Foods, and again, my skin feels instantly smoother and clearer. Good stuff!!!

For my hair:

Loreal EverCreme Intense Nourishing Shampoo, Conditioner, and Leave-in Spray. Guys. I hate buying the same hair products. Trust my, I have tried to stray from this stuff, but I keep crawling back. It makes your hair soft, tangle-free, and shiny! For real! Look, I have some really annoying hair--some of it is super kinky and coarse, some of it is super fine, and the rest is in the middle. This line is the only thing that smoothes the kinks, hydrates the brittle ends, and leaves my hair feeling super healthy. Ever since I started using it, I keep getting comments on how healthy and pretty my hair is!

For my body:

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion of Stretch Marks. I started using this stuff a few years ago when I realized that I had stretch marks all over my butt and upper thighs. I had tried Bio Oil and Mederma and just about every other stretch-mark treatment there was out there, but this one worked the best, and the fastest. I still use it to prevent more of those pesky purple lines from showing up, and I have started using it all over my body just because 1) it smells so good and comforting, and 2) it seriously leaves your skin even-toned and glowing. A must-have, even if you don't have stretch marks! And if you do, I have a quick word to say: Don't be ashamed. Our bodies cannot be perfect. Those lines show that you are becoming a woman or a mother. Both wonderful things. They show how hard it is to be a woman, and that you are tough. Love your body, stretch marks and all!

Caress Passionate Spell Body Wash in Passionfruit and Fiery Orange Rose. I originally bought this because I was out of soap and wanted a super cheap one. This one happened to smell really good, so I nabbed it. First off, it leaves your body smelling SO sexy, and also I've noticed that my skin feels even and smooth. It isn't advertised as anything other than a good-smelling soap, but I really think it does good things for your skin!

Other:

Colgate Total Advanced Whitening Paste. Ever since I started using this toothpaste, I've noticed that my teeth are significantly whiter! My smile is brighter and my teeth feel so, so clean. 

A+D First Aid Ointment. Okay, this one goes way back. My mom used to use this on my sister and I for DIAPER RASH. Like, that's 23 years ago. (My sister turns 23 today!) I use it on literally everything. You know how, in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the dad believes Windex can fix everything? That's how I am with A+D. I put it on my eyebrows and eyelashes to make them grow (seriously it works. SERIOUSLY.), on my lips to moisturize them, and on scars to fade them. I literally swear by this stuff. When I die, I want to be buried with two things: my Guns 'N Roses CD and a tube of A+D.

Alright, there you have it! My favorite products of all time. I would not post about them if I didn't believe they are the best of the best. Try them out, let me know what you think!

xoxo,

Layla Hologram Effect Nail Polish in 08 Flash Black

Holy crap you guys.

I am obsessed with this nail polish. I got it on sale at Ulta and and hardcore in LOVE.

Like, it is my valentine.

It is...drumroll please...

Layla Hologram Effect! Usually it is super pricey (I think like $20), but I got it for $6! So I obviously bought two.

Here is my favorite: 08 Flash Black

Look at it.

LOOK AT IT.

IT'S BEAUTIFUL.

I applied two coats and a topcoat of Seche Vite Dry Fast TopCoat, which is another reason in and of itself to celebrate. It dried so quickly and my nails are super shiny!

So, here is my advice: If you can find Layla nail polish for cheap anywhere, GET IT. It doesn't look very promising in the bottle, but I swear to Chanel it is worth it!

xoxo,

Two Mascara Reviews!

I don't know if I have mentioned this before, but I have a bit of a mascara obsession, and I know I'm not the only one! So I am going to review two mascaras-- the one I have been using (Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping) and the one I bought today (Maybelline Colossal Volume).


Revlon Grow Luscious Plumping Mascara:

I like this one because it goes on very smoothly, but it can clump really easily. Also, I have to work really hard to get my corner lashes. 

Maybelline Colossal Volume:

Although this one gets my corner lashes more easily, it isn't as dramatic as the Revlon. However, it does look more natural.

Both seem like good mascaras, so it just depends on what type of formula you prefer!

xoxo,

Suave Professionals: Keratin Infusion

Hey everyone! I am going to to a quick review on Suave Professionals: Keratin Infusion Shampoo and Conditioner.

I bought these a few days ago after running out of my favorite shampoo and conditioner, thinking that I would try something new and save a few bucks.

BIG MISTAKE.

I don't know what the deal is, but my hair has all this buildup in it from like, three days of using this new stuff. It's crusty and sticky and I honestly can't even believe it is on the market. I definitely don't recommend buying it! Save yourselves!

That's all.

xoxo,

Gel Nails

Hey everyone! I hope you are all having a wonderful end to the summer. I thought I would tell you guys how I feel about gel manicures, because I got my first one the other day! I know people have a lot of questions about the difference between a gel mani and a regular mani, so I'll try to clear up as much as I can.

First off, the main difference between gel polish and regular polish is that it lasts a whole heck of a lot longer. I use really strong cleaning products at my job all day, and the gels stay mostly in-tact up until I left for college. Now, granted, I only worked for a few days in between my mani and move-in, but I was still impressed with it's durability.

Secondly, the gels feel different. Something about the hardness of the polish or the smoothness of it--I'm not sure. They feel so slick and wonderful! That also means that the gels are SUPER shiny. I always think my nails are really shiny after I get a professional manicure, but the gels are at least 10 times shinier than a regular polish.

If you don't know this already, the gel polish is painted on in intervals--one coat, then a few minutes with your hands under a UV light, then another coat, then more time under the light, and so on. This means that the polish is basically bonding itself onto your nail, so DON'T TRY TO TAKE GEL POLISH OFF ON YOUR OWN! You should go back to the salon and ask them to remove it--otherwise, you could destroy your nail. I've seen it done, ladies. Be careful.

One last perk to having gel nails is that they are dry before you walk out the door of the salon. After your last sesh under the UV light, you are good to stick your hand in that chock-full purse and grab your wallet to pay. It's crazy! So, I definitely recommend giving this special manicure a shot.

xoxo,

Tarina Tarantino Eye Dream Hyperliner

While in New York this past week, I stopped by Sephora to look around. I ended up buying two Tarina Tarantino Eye Dream Hyperliner eyeliners, and I love them!

This is a subtle, every-day look that I did with them. The top color is a deep brown with tiny copper sparkles (puppeteer). On the bottom, I lined my waterline, inner corner, and up a bit onto my upper lid with the pearlescent pinky-white color (broken doll).

Top: Broken Doll

Bottom: Puppeteer

They are waterproof, but not so much that you have a hard time getting them off. They glide onto your skin very smoothly, and show up much more than you can tell in the first picture. 

Love!

xoxo,

Nail Love: Orly It's Up To Blue

I have had this nail polish for a long time, but only recently realized how much I love it! It is a great summer color, and doesn't look unflattering on pale skin--which is a plus for me. :)
This is three coats, but two would do just fine.

xoxo

Food for Thought...

I found this image on StumbleUpon, and it really struck me. Just take a minute to think about what it is saying...We are constantly trying to attain what we have come to consider "beauty", but at what price?

Fancy Shmancy

Well hello there! I got to get all dolled up this weekend, and I thought that I would share the process with you guys!

The makeup I used:
- Revlon Colorstay Creme Eyeliner in 001 Black
- Buxom Stay-There Eye Shadow in Cocker Spaniel
- Too Faced Full Bloom Blush in Cocoa Rose
- Too Faced Beauty Balm in Vanilla Glow
- Rimmel London Match Perfection Concealer in 230 Fair/Light
- The Body Shop Eyeshadow in 04 Quartz
- Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Zero
- Maybelline ColorSensational Lipstick in 015 Born With It
- Lancome Juicy Tubes Lipgloss in Pink Horizon

I started by applying the Beauty Balm and Concealer to begin with even skin tone. Next, I used the Buxom eyeshadow as a base, putting it on with my ring finger. Then, I brushed on the pink shade of the Body Shop eyeshadow on the in 2/3 of my eye and the black in the crease in on the outer third, blending afterwards. After that, I used the Revlon eyeliner and an angled eyeliner brush to paint a clean, dark line along my upper lash line, going all the way to the inner corner. On the bottom lash line, I used the Urban Decay black liner and smudged carefully. I finished up my eyes by curling my lashes and putting on a thick coat of mascara (I used Revlon Million Lashes). To finish my face, I put the Too Faced blush on the apples of my cheeks, blending up my cheekbone. Lastly, I put on a coat of the Maybelline lipstick with a layer of the Lancome lipgloss on top. Et voila!

xoxo

SH Real Nail Polish Strips Review

 Good Evening!
Today, I dropped by the drugstore and picked up Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips in Kitty, Kitty. I bought them totally on a whim, but I'm glad I did! I'll admit, it takes a while to perfect the art of application with these things, but after about three nails I had figured it out. Here's how I did it:
1) wipe down your nails with nail polish remover to get rid of any oils on your nails that might impede the strips' ability to stick.
2) choose your strip and break off the tab at the bottom. Remove the white backing and place lightly on your nail, making sure it is aligned.
3) Press the strip on, smoothing it with the smooth side of the emery board.
4) Peel off the clear strip on top of the polish off. This is by far the hardest part--I had to break out the tweezers a few times to grab a tiny corner.
5) File down the ends of your fingernail, cutting off the excess polish in the process.
6) Admire your work!

xoxo

Review: Clarisonic Mia 2

Alright guys...I got a Clarisonic!

It was totally spur-of-the-moment, but I'm so glad that I got it! I've only used it a few times, and already my skin feels smoother and cleaner. Makeup and moisturizer absorbs more quickly, and my skin is vibrant! So it definitely gets my seal of approval.

There are a couple different types of Clarisonics out there, and I got the mia2-- it's little, like the mia, but its more powerful. It's got timed one-minute sessions that tell you when to move to your nose/chin, cheeks, and forehead. It's fun, easy, and it feels great. I recommend!

xoxo

Serene Scene

xoxo

Review: Revlon Colorstay Gel Creme Eyeliner

Hey guys! I have always preferred liquid/gel eyeliner to the normal kohl kind, but I had only used higher-end brands before. The other day at CVS, I decided to try out a drugstore brand, and I have to say, I'm impressed! It lasted throughout the day (which is why I like liquid liner), and the consistency was good. It wasn't as soft as my Perscriptives gel eyeliner, but for $10, I think it's pretty darn good.

Here are some pictures from this morning, when I first put it on:

And here are some picture from 10 hours later:

(I know, I have crazy eyes in the last picture...)

Bottom line: a good product! The container comes with a brush, but I used my own angled Sephora brush. I recommend it!

See this post for the angled brush and Perscriptives eyeliner review.

xoxo