Tag: hair

Agave Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner

Agave Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner on Belle Belle Beauty

I am always a little fearful of “smoothing” when it comes to hair products as I often find my fine hair limp and lifeless. But my fine hair also has the lovely quality of being slightly frizzy, so I do like the idea of some control. Agave Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner happened to walk that line for those of you who share my hair type.

I don’t use a ton of product on my longer hair, but I do get some build-up now that I am waiting a good 2-3 days between washes and loving the dry shampoo. This formula washes away debris but without leaving my hair stripped. While I am not militant about it, I do think sulfate-free shampoos are kinder to my hair (and help preserve my new demi-permanent, grey-covering hair color).

Both the shampoo and conditioner are infused with agave plant sugars to also help preserve color. The ingredient helps smooth with emollients. I was able to snag travel size (available at Sephora) and they certainly will be coming along with me on an upcoming trip.

PS – you can also find this brand at birchbox.com.

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.

Kerastase’s Discipline Collection

Kerastase’s Discipline Collection on Belle Belle Beauty

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!”

Thanks for being my Guinea Pig, M!

Available at kerastase-usa.com.

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.

Holiday Hair With Alterna And Oribe

Holiday Hair With Alterna And Oribe on Belle Belle Beauty

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.

Wednesday On The Web

Long, Undone Hair on Belle Belle Beauty

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 sprayliberally. 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.

I’m on a bit of a health kick and I am embracing these five tips to healthy living.

J.Crew is running an extra 40% off of sale with code SHOPMORE. Loving all the swimwear – now’s the time to stock up!

This recipe is crazy simple and celebrates my favorite summer ingredient, tomatoes!

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Wednesday On The Web

Summer Beauty on Belle Belle Beauty

I feel like this summer, looks are all about a load of textured hair, tons of glow and a little bit of a carefree attitude. I don’t know about you, but I am going to roll with it. There are some really beautiful things around the web lately – talk about a source of inspiration – shopping, self-confidence and beauty:

brooklyn blonde shares her luxury hair favorites – I want them all!

Absolutely drooling over Karlie Kloss’ ITG interview.

J.Crew is offering an additional 30% off sale items with code SWEET at checkout. I’m thinking about scooping up some new suits.

Agran oil based moisturizer with SPF 47? Sign me UP.

So proud of my friend Dallas and her beautiful new blog.

The Net-a-Porter sale continues and I have my eye on this bikini, a beach poncho, and this top.

Looking for a bronzing illuminator? Look absolutely no further than this one.

Why does Dove always get it right with their inspirational videos:

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