Category: hair

Back To School Beauty Favorites on FOX 23’s Great Day Green Country

So excited to be back on FOX 23’s Great Day Green Country this morning to talk all about Back to School beauty. These picks are perfect for a natural but fun look for teenagers. But they are equally favorites for my own use as the seasons change. I’m getting my hair back in tip top shape, keeping skin clear and letting that last bit of summer glow shine through. Here are the products I’ll be chatting about (Tulsa folks, tune in at 10AM!).

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

Truly one of her iconic products, Laura Mercier just does tinted moisturizer right. There are a couple different formulas but the oil free version is buildable and works on all skin types. The lightweight formula controls oil while still hydrating and providing that crucial sun protection.

eos Smooth Lip Balm Sphere Fruit Basket 4 Flavor Multi-Pack

These adorable, spherical lip balms are scattered all over my house and car (the SPF version is a pool time must have for me). This new set has the same great nourishing formula in four fruity, juicy flavors:

Fresh Watermelon
Strawberry Sorbet
Summer Fruit
Pomegranate Raspberry

eos Smooth Lip Balm Spheres are natural, organic and gluten-free.

New Limited Edition Maybelline Great Lash Colored Mascara (at your local drug stores)

The same classic mascara is out in six new limited edition shades. They might sound daunting but actually can accentuate eye color and bring a fun pop for a new fresh look. Available colors:

Wink of Pink
So Very Berry
Green with Envy
I See Blue
Teal Appeal
Vision in Violet

I’ve been loving the Violet, which looks almost black, but at the same time brings out the green in my hazel eyes.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Foaming Daily Cleanser

Even acne and oil-prone skin can get irritated and it is crucial that we control moisture while treating breakouts. This new cleanser from Neutrogena will clean pores without stripping. It leaves no pore clogging residue and gets rid of makeup in a cinch.

Suave Professionals Moroccan Infusion Collection

My hair is seriously fried from sun and heat styling. To get it back to healthy and shiny, I love the new nourishing set from Suave. Using argan oil, I get conditioning and shine without any greasiness. The color care collection is great for those rocking a new shade for the fall.

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Moroccanoil Root Boost

I’ve always loved the concept, scent and packaging of Moroccanoil hair products. On one visit to the DryBar, a stylist used their products to make my hair look bombshell with waves and hold. But at home, I always felt weighed down and greasy. I guess I didn’t have the magic touch. Until now…

Moroccanoil recently launched Root Boost, part of their volume collection. Working from the roots, it provides a texturized foundation. What I love most about Root Boost is the easy application and formula. Picture a less fluffy mouse that comes out of a small nozzle. I am able to get product right where I want it and it easily and evenly disperses to the parts of my scalp I need extra volume. The real testimony was when, not only did I get volume, but it lasted! My hair received that nourishment Moroccanoil is known for and I still got non-greasy volume without crispy strands.

For more body away from the roots, I’ve also been testing Moroccanoil’s Volumizing Mousse. I use a golf ball size amount of product from halfway down my strands to the ends. I get hold and volume with still lots of movement and softness.

You can find both of these products in fine salons or at www.moroccanoil.com.

Five Late Summer Favorites

So, today marks the official back to school here in my city. Time to face the music and start thinking about prep for those cooler months ahead. I’m focusing on stretching out this tan, staying safe in the sun, repairing sun damage and nourishing my dried out hair. Among other things! Here are five favorites that I keep reaching for to do just that:

RéVive ‘Sensitif’ Oil-Free Lotion SPF 15 is the most gentle SPF I have come across and the oil-free formula finishes matte and won’t clog pores. Plus, it works fabulously under makeup.

Kate Somerville ‘Somerville 360°’ Tan Maximizer is helping me milk this summer glow for all that it is worth. I love the smell and how nourishing it is on my skin. Natural oils add so much hydration that this might be my go-to lotion all year long!

Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Shampoo basically transports me back to high school with its fruity scent (how appropriate this time of year!). But what really impressed me was the effect – I use this at night and sleep in a wet braid – the next morning I have full and bouncy waves!

Coola TotalBody Organic Moisturizing Suncare with SPF 30 is keeping me sun safe these last couple of pool days. The scents can’t be beat (my favorite is Plumeria). And I feel even better staying safe in the sun using an organic product.

Essie for the twill of it from their fall collection was high on my wish list. But now that I have it in (or on) my hot little hands I’m swooning so hard I almost fell over. The opaque shade is as nuanced and special as any luxury polish. Fall signature mani sold!

The Top Five Products You Need For Your Next Blowout From Politics of Pretty

I’ve been captivated by Kara’s blog, Politics of Pretty for some time now! Her beautiful site covers it all from daring to classic and all with such beautiful imagary. Today, she shares her “must haves” for the perfect blowout:

Growing up, trips to the salon for my twice-annual haircut was something I always looked forward to (mainly because fresh cut hair plus a fresh blowout meant three to four really amazing hair days). Then, blow dry bars started popping up and girls of all hair types who were craving a great blowout rejoiced. On the flip side, treating myself to salon blowouts has slowly become an addiction and it’s taken quite the toll on my wallet. So if you’re in desperate need of a blow dry spending detox, I’ve rounded up my five favorite products for the perfect DIY blowout at home.

Drybar Happy Hour Shampoo and Weightless Conditioner. Never mind the fact that I’m a shampoo and conditioner chameleon—lately I can’t get enough of Drybar’s sweet smelling shampoo and conditioner.

Pantene Pro-V Ultimate 10 BB Crème. Before I discovered this drugstore gem, I was a hair product mixologist as I tried to combine different products in hopes of yielding some pretty spectacular results. What it ended up doing? Turning my mane in to a ball of grease. This styling cream is a one-step miracle (think frizz control, heat protection, brilliant shine, among others) without having to combine with anything else. Love!

A Paddle Brush, any paddle brush. I have naturally straight hair so a soft paddle brush is my go-to when I’m styling a straight and sleek look. For some reason, round brushes don’t always work in my favor.

Jose Eber Infrared Blow Dryer. I’m always careful about protecting my hair from damaging blow dryer heat, but this innovative infrared dryer by Jose Eber infuses a gentle heat at the hair cuticle, not to mention decreases drying time in half. I am always on the go so this dryer is a time saver for sure!

Serge Normant Meta Revive Volumizing Dry Shampoo. While I have a slew of sample size dry shampoos in my hair arsenal, I always find myself reaching for this spray. I’m attracted to its cedar bark scent and its quick-to-dry (two minutes!) formula. Just a few light sprays keep my hair looking clean and healthy for an extra day.

Click on over to my blog, Politics of Pretty, with my top tips and tricks on how to use these products for the perfect blowout.

I Heart Heels Talks Hair on Belle Belle!

Nothing like a little vacation for an excuse to have the beautiful Julie from I Heart Heels over on Belle Belle! This Southern Beauty is just down the road from me in Arkansas and always seems to have her mane in tip top shape. So what better than a little tutorial on how she gets those locks looking so good. Take it away, Julie!

My Hair Secrets Uncovered

Use A Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Back in the old days, I used so many “natural” shampoos I would barely give another a try. They just didn’t work. Until I found my golden gem in Aveeno Pure Renewal Shampoo/Conditioner. It just so happens to be sulfate free…which means what, you ask? Besides cutting down on nasty chemicals, this formula actually reduces color fading (or in my case highlight fading) – a major plus. Sulfates can strip the hair, so a sulfate-free shampoo makes tresses look healthier (and there’s less hair loss, seriously).

Don’t Wash Every Day
I used to wash my hair every day – no more. And psst…I have oily hair. I promise your hair gets used to it the more you skip a day. Plus, with long hair, it’s almost a must – whew. By washing every other day, you’re allowing your hair to breathe. Not to mention, you’re not putting as much heat on it since you’re not blow-drying as often. Second day hair = the best. It’s much more manageable and doesn’t look so “fixed.” Which leads me to the next secret…

Use Dry Shampoo In Between Washes
There are countless dry shampoos out there now – in both powder and spray formulas. I like them all for different reasons (although Got2b makes some pretty sweet ones that are affordable). Gone are the days of using baby powder. Dry shampoo is your ticket to freedom from washing your hair every day, if you have oily hair like me. (And I feel like it brings out my highlights!)

Let It Air Dry
When you can, skip the blow-dry! Your hair will thank you in the end. It’s easy for me to say since I have naturally wavy hair, but I just spritz leave-in sea salt spray after my shower (love Ouidad) to cut down on frizz, turn the dryer on cool for a wee bit and let it dry overnight. In the morning, I work a comb through it very gently and voila!

Find a Good Stylist
They key to great hair is really finding a superstar stylist. I went for years with the same one because it felt safe. Until a few years ago I tried someone new and now can’t believe I didn’t switch long ago! If color is your thing, find someone who really knows their hues. Or maybe you’re all about the cut? Look at people whose hair you love and ask them where they go. I found my superstar stylist through my mom of all people! 🙂

P.S. Don’t forget to indulge in the occasional blowout. And it doesn’t have to be a special blow-dry bar – your very own salon should offer one. Whether your hair is already straight or curly…there’s really nothing like being pampered this way! xo

Summer Hair Staples For Long Hair

My hair is getting long! Thanks, Viviscal! I actually find long hair easier in the summer as a messy top knot is so simple and quick. But for those days when I want my hair down, I crave sleek and sliky strands with just a little wave in it. Plus, I am always concious of breakage with the brushing in and out of the pool and every morning and night. A new-to-me tool out of the UK is saving the day!

Tangle Teezer – An import from the UK, this de-tangling hair brush is quirky but just plain works. The design lost the handle but managed to have teeth configuration and an ergonomic shape that got rid of knots in no time (without breakage!). Also, I’ve found my scalp feels healthier. It moves through my fine, wavy hair – wet or dry – in no time. Not to mention, the Queen of England herself is a fan!

Philip B Maui Wowie Beach Mist – While I love this sea spray for texturizing, the version for Phillip B is perfect for beachy waves. The scent alone takes you right to the surf with Coconut and Tahitian Gardenia. I get the thickening sea salt, but hair stays soft and shiny with nourishing Aloe Vera, Marine Extracts, pure Orchid and Kukui.

Bangstyle is a quirky brand with a pretty cool app and website for hair inspiration. I’ve been trying their Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner and Smoothing Lotion. Both have left my hair skily and frizz-free with the Keratin Amino Acids. Avocado Oil and Shea Butter leave hair shiny and manageable. The scent is fairly strong cotton candy, but if you don’t mind (or even like) the sweetness, this duo is great for taming tresses.

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