Life Changing Hair Products

Looking for super soft, healthy hair that has bounce, volume and texture? I've rounded up all of my favorite products that truly made difference in the health and manageability of my hair - and huge plus - all but two are in the clean haircare category! 

A little background on my hair - it's thick, it's wavy, it's heavy - and sometimes it has a mind of it's own. I used to fight my natural waves because they were difficult to manage and got frizzy easily. But since learning what my hair likes + needs plus getting the right haircut for my hair type (a long shag to minimize weight and encourage volume) I no longer have the constant urge to shave my head.

View the entire shoppable list with product pictures here, or read on below.

EVOLVH | InstaVolume Cleansing Treatment - My favorite shampoo - this gets my hair clean and keeps my strands soft without stripping them. I love how it creates the perfect base for any volumized styles because it doesn't weigh hair down! It also balances the ph of your hair which is super important if you want your mane to continuously look its best.

HAIRSTORY | Scalp Brush - This brush helps me get a deep clean, plus it just feels SO GOOD! When styling, I like to use products that create grit and texture in my hair for added volume and pliability, but I don't want to let them build up on my scalp or roots! Enter this scalp brush, it gently stimulates and exfoliates while I shampoo for my best clean.

DPHUE | Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse - This is a newer addition to my hair routine but I've already witnessed MAJOR results. I use it once a week after shampooing and before conditioning/masking to add softness, shine and to close my cuticle. Besides apple cider vinegar, this rinse has a blend of argan oil + aloe vera to soothe and moisturize. It's also said to help prevent color wash out - though I didn't personally test product when I had my pink hair.

BRIOGEO | Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Mask - This mask has been a lifesaver since bleaching the under layers of my hair. I focus it mostly on the very ends before taking any leftovers and smoothing it from where my ponytail would start down. It's hydrating, strengthening and doesn't weigh on the hair!

CULT + KING | Tonik - This stuff is MAGIC! If I could gift everyone in my life a bottle of Tonik I would - it's that good! I spray it all over my scalp after getting out of the shower and let the herbal synergies and organic ingredients combine to condition my scalp and balance it's ph, leaving the most amazing, invigorating tingling sensation behind. PLUS it comes in the most gorgeous black glass bottle, and Cult + King sells separate refills for all of their products so you can reuse + reduce. 

EVOLVH | SmartVolume Leave-In Conditioner - My favorite leave-in that I've ever tried! I feel like some leave in conditioners make the hair look more flat/dull in exchange for adding some softness, but this perks up my hair and makes it feel so silky. I use it right after the shower on my ends and also on dry hair (still on my ends) if I feel like I still need a little extra softening and shine.

EVOLVH | InstaVolume Volumizing Mousse - This is the product that adds the most volume to my hair during the 'wet' part of my routine. It's lightweight but with a decent hold which helps battle any frizz. I let my hair air dry a bit before smoothing this lightly over my waves and gentle scrunching it in. Sometimes I'll root-clip and let my hair completely air dry, and other times I'll use a diffuser to speed up the process. If there are any leftover crunchy bits once dry, just clap your hands together over those section to soften without flattening your curls.

CULT + KING | Jelly - This pretty pink himalayan-salt infused jelly creates volume, texture, moisture and hold. I like to scrunch a tiny bit over my mousse for extra definition.

OLAPLEX | No.6 Bond Smoother - I don't use this as often now that I use my Evolvh leave-in conditioner, but this stuff definitely works! It smooths and protects the hair and is great at eliminating frizz!

HAIRSTORY | Powder - This is another product that I would love to gift everyone in my life. Powder is a dry shampoo AND an amazing styling product that adds texture, hold and pliability without any greasy feeling. It sprays out the finest dusting of talc-free particles that absorb oil and add lift. I have tried SO MANY dry shampoos and I've found that aerosols made my hair feel dirtier and never provided any volume - plus there was always residue left behind in my dark hair and this is completely the opposite. 

KENRA PROFESSIONAL | Volume Spray 25 - An amazing hairspray to set your style. I'll first create the shape and lift that I want using Powder, and then lock it in with this spray. If you love volume - you'll love Kenra #25

SLIP | Silk Pillowcase - Changing to silk pillowcases is something I should have done YEARS ago - I always knew they were better for your hair but I didn't realize how much better that they were until I started sleeping on one. It immediately helped prevent tangles + frizz and I feel like my hair held onto it's moisture better! And bonus - sleeping on a silk pillowcase is also really gentle on your skin.

Beachwashed Luxe Waver - This is the only styling tool I've ever found that mimics my natural texture - making it the perfect tool to re-fresh any sad or flattened waves, or to add beachy texture on naturally straight hair. It's a breeze to use and it's just so pretty to look at - I always feel like a California surfer girl when I pull this out.

All of the products mentioned besides the Kenra Spray and Olaplex fall into the clean hair care family - and essentially that means no silicones, sulfates, harsh chemicals etc. Moving into the clean space for my hair products has personally helped me a lot; it's given my hair the balance it lacked and greatly extended my time between washes (a HUGE plus in my book). 

Recently I started testing a few hair oils from the conventional space (includes silicones/dimethicones) but I haven't used them long enough to decide if I like them or not:

Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil - thinnest viscosity

Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil - medium viscosity

Dae Prickly Pear Hair Oil - thickest viscosity

For a clean oil, I'm most interested in the Sahajan Nurture Hair Oil as I've heard the scent is divine and it doesn't leave strands greasy or weighed down like I've experienced with other hair oils in the clean space, so that may be a purchase item on the horizon! 

Other items on my hair wishlist include:

Innersense: Hold, Volume, Lift, Inner Peace Whipped Texturized, Quiet Calm Curl Control

Hairstory: New Wash, Balm, Undressed, Lift

Cult + King: Style, Setspray

Denman Brush

Images by Kayleigh Maes Creative

*some links are affiliate links and by purchasing from them directly, you help support my content 💕

Controlling Oily Skin

Consumer Health Digest recently reached out to me and asked if I would make a video on tips for oily skin. I had already been working on this post so it was a perfect fit! After you watch the video, read on for specific product recommendations!

 


1: Prep
A common misconception with oily skin is to try to strip the natural oils and 'dry up' the skin. This is dangerous because the more you try to rid the skin of oil, the more it will produce to over-compensate. It is important to balance the skin by finding a skincare routine that works for you, this will help you makeup-wise in the long run because you will have better behaving skin! While it may take a little while to figure out your perfect personalized skincare routine, always make sure you moisturize before you apply your makeup. Look for items that say 'oil free', 'lightweight' or 'gel' on the bottles. Some of my favorites are:  

Korres Pomegranate Balancing Cream-Gel Moisturizer
Boscia Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel
Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion for Oily and Blemish Prone Skin

2: Primers
Mattifying primers not only extend the wear time of your foundation and keep you shine-free longer, but they also smooth over the skin and fill in pores and fine lines! My two favorites are the Becca Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector and the
Smashbox Oil Free Pore Minimizing Primer. A word of caution with the Becca one, it is the most matte primer I have ever tried and a little goes a long way, so start out with a tiny amount and thoroughly blend it in to avoid patchiness.

3: Base Products
Some people think that a liquid foundation will just melt off when you have oily skin, but that is not true at all! You just want to look for something mattifying and/or free of added oils. Some of my favorites, in no particular order are:

Hourglass Immaculate- a medium coverage that includes cashmere kaolinite clay (which can absorb 75% its weight in oil) leaving a matte finish and an airy feel.

Make Up For Ever Face & Body- a light-to-medium coverage that is made up of 80% water for an invisible look and feel to the skin. This foundation is good for ALL skin types and it is one of my personal favorites.

Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet Plus- a full coverage foundation providing a silky, breathable matte finish. The color selection has also expanded making color matching much easier.

Becca Ever-Matte Shine Proof- a creamy feeling (perfect for combination skin) medium-full coverage foundation that is great for those with golden undertones.

Urban Decay Naked Skin- medium-full coverage and great for combination skin as well. It leaves a natural matte finish and looks like real skin. 

4: Powder 
This is a crucial step in making sure your face stays as matte as possible, and most people do it wrong! The best way to use powder on oily skin is to press-and-roll it on with a sponge or a powder puff. You don't want to dust powder on with a brush because it will not absorb your oils throughout the day. My favorite high end mattifying powder is the Make Up For Ever Duo Matte and my favorite drugstore mattifying powder is the Maybelline Dream Matte. And remember, press and roll people, press and roll.

5: Setting Spray 
This is a finishing product that is like a hairspray for your face! That might sound gross, but I promise you it's not. My favorites are by Urban Decay, they have a hydrating, oil control, and normal skin version. I use a setting spray on all of my brides because it only takes a few seconds and it works wonders, especially for those with oily skin. It also cuts down on makeup transferring onto your clothes or cell-phone which is always a good thing!

6: Touch ups
When you have oily skin you will need to touch up your makeup throughout the day. The best way to do this without caking on more makeup is to use a blotting product. 

*Blotting Sheets: these are meant to absorb oil without disturbing the makeup underneath. They lift the oil off of the skin while leaving all of your foundation, blush, bronzer, etc behind. Boscia makes my favorites, I love the 'green tea' ones as well as the 'pink peppermint' ones. You can find Boscia blotting sheets at Sephora but you can find other brands at the drugstore as well.

*Blotting Powder: this is different than a regular foundation powder or setting powder because it is not meant to add color or coverage, just to absorb oil and shine without adding heavy layers on to the skin. This means you can re-apply it throughout the day without it getting thick and gross. My favorite is the Becca Blotting Powder Perfector because it it so smooth and finely milled, plus it comes in two colors: 'translucent' for light to medium skin tones and 'tinted' for medium to deep skin tones.

What are your favorite products for oily skin?

Skincare Saturdays - A Quick Fix For Dull Skin

One of my favorite 'quick fix' skincare products is the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel. Not only will you start to see results right away, but the results will continue and improve with continued use. They also have a 'regular' and 'gentle' version, but I've used the extra strength and it's never irritated my skin.

What it is:
This 2 step treatment is for daily use. It has a seven acid combination that works to rejuvenate the skin to uncover a brighter, smoother and healthier complexion. The treatments come in individually wrapped, pre-soaked pads for easy use.

What it does:
The 2 step treatment works together to provide exfoliation in Step One, and nourishment and balance in Step Two. Your skin will immediately look and feel refreshed and your following skincare routine will be more effective. Expect to see improvement in skin texture, radiance and a diminishment of fine lines with continued use.


Who it's for: 
This treatment works on all skin types and is targeted to those looking to treat rough, dry or dull skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and acne-prone, breakout skin.

How to use: 
Once a day, apply Step One pad to clean, dry skin, using circular motions. Continue application until pad feels dry. Wait two minutes for the acids to activate on your skin and follow with pad in Step Two to neutralize, using the same technique as before. Do not rinse after either step or use products containing alcohol. Make sure to avoid contact with eyes and use sunscreen daily to help prevent photo-aging. 

Ingredients:

5 Treatments

-Glycolic Acid: Reduces the signs of aging.

-Salicylic Acid: Reduces pore blockages and supports natural collagen.
-Mandelic Acid: Supplements the anti-aging benefits of glycolic acid and possesses anti-irritation and anti-redness properties.
-Lactic Acid: A naturally occuring Alpha Hydroxy Acid that supports natural cell renewal.

Step One:
Water, Alcohol Denat. (SD Alcohol 40-B), Glycolic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Menthone Glycerin Acetal, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Soy Isoflavones, Copper PCA, Zinc PCA, Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Alcohol, Polysorbate 80, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate.

Step Two:
Water, Sodium Bicarbonate, Resveratrol, Retinol, Ascorbic Acid, Ubiquinone, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Phospholipids, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Soy Isoflavones, Achillea Millefolium Extract , Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Root Extract, Copper PCA, Sodium PCA, Zinc PCA, Lecithin, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Alcohol, BHT, Octoxynol-9, Simethicone, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol.

This product is vegan and cruelty free and does not contain parabens, sulfates or phthalates.

*all product information taken from sephora.com 
 
 

The Best Universally Flattering Red Lipstick

Red lipstick... it's a classic, but sometimes the color choices can be overwhelming. The best place to start is with a raspberry red, something that leans more blue than orange. Raspberry reds are universally flattering and easy to dress up or down. My favorite is 'Drench' by Illamasqua.

My other favorite (and a more long wearing alternative) is the Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge in #8 and/or #10. They are almost the same shade and will last you through breakfast, lunch and dinner!

What is your favorite red lipstick?

Skincare Saturdays - Recent Empties

I am starting a new segment on my blog, Skincare Saturdays! Each Saturday will be a mini skincare tip or product recommendation, so let me know some of your skincare concerns. I thought I'd start off the first installment with some thoughts about products I have recently finished up.

 
Neutrogena Oil-Free Pink Grape Fruit Acne Wash
I kept this face wash in the shower and was pleased with its scent and the way it made my skin feel fresh without stripping it of moisture. It contains salicylic acid which helps promote cell turnover; fighting breakouts and maintaining glowing skin.

Fresh Sugar Face Polish
I love, love, love this face polish! I only had a small jar of this but enjoyed every use. Sugar is a natural humectant which means it it will draw moisture to your skin and keep it there. It also is a gentle exfoliator so my skin was glowy and smelled delicious after every use. I highly recommend this product and will absolutely repurchase!

Origins GinZing Moisturizer
I have used this moisturizer on and off for a few years now and have probably gone through 3 jars. It has a lightweight texture that is perfect for any skin type as it provides beautiful hydration without getting greasy. It has a light citrus scent which is pleasant, invigorating and not at all overwhelming. I use this a lot on my clients as well because it performs beautifully under any foundation. My favorite moisturizer is still the Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve, but I would certainly never turn down another jar of this one!

Caudalie Cleansing Water
This cleansing water was gentle while still breaking up heavy makeup. I would use it on a cotton round, wash my face, then use another around my eyes to get off leftover mascara and eyeliner. I did notice that my skin had more oils the days after I used this.

*** 

What are some skincare items that you have recently finishied? Would you purchase them again? And please leave me comments for future Skincare Saturday posts!

 

Becca Backlight Priming Filter Review

Here is a quick review on the Becca Backlight Priming Filter! Stick around and watch the video to hear why I love it and who I think it is best suited for!

Best Concealer for Dry or Mature Skin

Here is a quick review on the Givenchy 'Mister Light, Light Correcting Concealer'. It is a great concealer for dry or mature skin, or for anyone looking for a creamy, smooth and blendable concealer.

EYES//
Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer
Anastasia Beverly Hills Eyeshadows (Blanc, Birkin, Cool Brown)
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
Guerlain Maxi Lash Mascara
Kiss Demi Wispies
Anastasia Brow Wiz (Medium Brown)

FACE//
Becca Backlight Priming Filter
Make Up Forever Face & Body Foundation
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
Mac Pro-Longwear Concealer + Givenchy Mister Light
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (Ethereal, Dim & Incandescent)
Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion
Nars Blush (Goulue)
Jouer Cream Highlighter (Camellia)
Becca Liquid Shimmering Skin Perfector (Pearl)

LIPS//
Palladio Herbal Lipliner (Naked)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lipgloss (Undressed, Dainty)

 

A+ Beauty Products

Tomorrow starts the first day back at my tutoring job, which means helping students with tons of math homework! With grades on my mind, I compiled a list of my Top 10 favorite beauty products that earn an A+ in my book.

1. Beauty Blender: The best tool I've ever used for achieving flawless foundation and concealer. Read my review here, and get an extra Beauty Blender tip here.

2. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation: A silky smooth, natural looking foundation that photographs beautifully and feels invisible. Read my review here.

3. Mac Pro-Longwear Concealer: The best concealer I've found for my stubborn dark under eye circles. I guess that's what you get when you're Italian :)

4. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders: These powders make you look like you're glowing from the inside out and are the perfect setting/finishing powders for any foundation. My favorites are Ethereal, Dim and Diffused.

5. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner: The steadiest and most fool-proof liquid liner I've ever tried. Super long lasting, it took me a year to finish one up!

6. Nars Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow: The shade 'Himalia' is described as a 'shimmering topaz' and is my favorite everyday shadow. They can be applied damp or dry with stunning results.

7. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz: Whether you are looking for natural brows or bold ones, this pencil lets you control every stroke.

8. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick: These lipsticks are addicting, they are literally Jolly Ranchers for your lips. My most worn colors are #12 Coral Incandescent, #14 Coral In Touch, and #5 Fuchsia in Excess. My favorite natural pink is #8 Pink In Confidence.

9. Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask: The most hydrating and non-sticky balm of all time. It also looks beautiful over lip-stains or lipsticks and can be used as an over-night treatment.

10. Caudalie Beauty Elixir: Elegance in a spray bottle, this mist makes you feel hydrated and refreshed and it's decadent mix of herbal scents makes you feel like royalty. Read my review here.

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What products earn an A+ for you?

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer Review

If you have been searching for a super hydrating, calming primer, look no further than the Hangover Replenishing Primer by Too Faced! Now I am not a huge primer fan, they usually irritate my skin and make it appear more patchy and dry, but this primer is a drink of water (coconut water in fact) for your complexion. 

It promises bright, dewy skin that glows with health and will replenish moisture levels with coconut water and probiotics. I certainly noticed that my skin looked hydrated and healthy, possibly with even a bit of shine by the end of the day, which never happens for me. I can't definitively say if it made my pores diminish or my makeup last longer as I don't have issues with either of those things, but it is certainly the most moisturizing primer I have ever used, and I feel like you can use it as your day moisturizer & primer all in one. 


It's cruelty free & vegan friendly and is free of silicone so it doesn't have a heavy feel when applied. It costs $32 for 1.35 oz and comes in a squeeze tube with a pump for convenience. There is a faint, pleasant coconut scent that fades quickly upon application. 

Ingredients:
Water, Lactobacillus/Salix Alba Bark Ferment Filtrate, Propanediol Dicaprylate, Propanediol, Ceteareth-6 Olivate, Olive Glycerides, Lactobacillus Ferment, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Cellulose Gum, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Pectin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Xanthan Gum, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice, Lauryl Alcohol Diphosphonic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Lecithin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Fragrance, Lauric Acid, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates 
- Phthalates 

If you loved the Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Face Primer this Too Faced one is very similar but even more hydrating! *You can still find the Korres Primer on Sephora.com but it is being discontinued.

The only others primers I personally enjoy for my skin are the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, the Hourglass N° 28 Primer Serum and the Becca Resurfacing Primer.  

What are your favorite face primers and which ones should I try next?

Best Fix for Tired Eyes - GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment

This quick fix for dark, puffy, or tired eyes only takes three minutes and will leave you looking refreshed and awake! The GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment is my favorite under-eye pick me up because it treats a multitude of sins and quickly reverses the effects of a sick day or late night out.

What It Does:
This mud is multi-purpose, with ingredients and technology that hydrate, tighten, smooth and help diminish dark circles all while absorbing toxins and depositing nutrient, fatigue fighting minerals. Each box comes with 12 Chrome Cell packets that can be cut in half to maximize each eye mask. 

How To Use:
With your ring finger, tap the mud mask underneath the eye and extend it to the orbital bone if you wish. You will feel a warm tingly sensation and this is normal, but be careful not to get any in your eyes. Leave the mask on for three minutes (don't allow the product to dry) and wipe off with a washcloth or tissue.

Insider Tip:
Like I mentioned above, I choose to cut each closed packet in half and use one pod for both eyes to double the product and save cash. There is a ton in each pod, and personally, I found I was wasting a great deal when I used a full packet.

Results after a single (3 minute) use of the Glam Glow BrightMud Eye Treatment

Ingredients: (from Sephora website)
-Nitroffeine™ 14%: Provides an immediate temporary ‘zing’ sensation; provides awakening and fatigue reduction. 
-Juvelane™ 2.5%: Designed to activate retinol-like activity without the disadvantages. 
-Dihydroxymethylchromone: Supports natural collagen synthesis and reduces its breakdown. 
-Cyclicpeptide: Fights visible signs of aging. 
-Troxerutin: Supports natural capillary microcirculation. 
-Ectoin: Repairs and defends. 
-TEAOXI™ Peppermint Technology: Activates sensory trpm8 cold compression to de-puff eyes; helps skin look noticeably smoother and brighter.
- Formulated Without: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates

***

It doesn't bother me, but some people say the tingling sensation feels more like a sting; if that's the case for you check out the Bliss Triple Oxygen Energizing Eye Mask instead.

What is your go-to fix for tired eyes?

Can the Beauty Blender Get Any Better?

You all know that the Beauty Blender is my favorite tool for applying liquid & cream foundations or concealers. It gives the most natural finish and the options for coverage are endless, making it the perfect multi-use tool. But many people don't realize that the Beauty Blender is amazing for applying powder products as well! 

The trick for applying powders is to have the sponge be dry or almost dry. I personally don't want to use two different ones, so I just wring out the extra moisture after I apply my liquid foundation and it works just as well. I find that using the Beauty Blender for powder lessens the creasing under my eyes, which is always an issue I have. I usually use it with my Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders and it has been the perfect combination!

Let me know in the comments if you have ever tried the Beauty Blender for powder and how you liked it!

My Hair Cut & Favorite Hair-Styling Products

Some of the most frequent questions I receive are about my haircut, people want to know what it's called and how to get it! Big, soft, fluffy hair is one of my favorite things; some people think it's cool and some people make fun of me for wanting big hair, but I absolutely love my haircut and style! I owe my style to my AMAZING hair stylist (thanks Shannon!) because she knows exactly how to work with my hair so that I don't have to do much. I take a shower, let it air dry (usually as I'm sleeping) and I wake up with what you see in all of my pictures. Thankfully the cut does all the work for me, the short layers give me volume on their own, no teasing required. When I do want a little bit more oomph, these are some of the products I turn to.

* Living Proof  Flex Shaping Hairspray is a soft to medium hold hairspray that helps keep loose styles in place while remaining touchable. I use it on dry hair to secure an updo or tame fly-aways.

* Bumble & Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish is one of my favorite products to create that piecey textured look for layered hair without any crunch. I spray it upwards into dry hair and it feathers out my layers and makes my hair look super cool in a non-chalant "I woke up like this" sort of way. 

* Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray is my favorite summer time hair secret. I spray it into my hair while it's damp and let it air-dry. It creates effortless, tousled waves that look like you just returned from a day at the beach. I've tried many salt-based sprays and this one is my favorite (I'm currently testing the Drybar one), just make sure to condition your hair well after you use it because it tends to be drying.

* Alterna Caviar CC Cream is a beautiful multi-purpose hair product that can be used on damp or dry hair. It is a 10-in-1 product claiming to provide moisture, shine, smoothness, softness, anti-breakage, heat protection, light hold, UV protection, manageability and strength. Like I said, I don't do much to style my hair and I use heat tools only a few times a year, so I can't vouch for all of it's claims, but I do know that this product makes my hair super shiny, smooth and soft. I will run it through the bottom half of damp hair as well as in the very ends of dry hair and it looks lovely. Plus is smells amazing!

* Living Proof Amp Instant Texture Volumizer is a creamy-wax formulation that adds a touchable hold and pieces out layers. It is great for people with short layers and short hair. Just warm some up on your fingertips and fluff your hair in an upwards motion around the crown of your head.

***

If you don't already have any natural volume you will want to use a teasing comb, this one is made with boar bristles and it's only $8 from Sephora. You just lift up sections of your hair near the roots, and lightly back comb. 

Even though I don't style my hair in the fashion below, those are the types of photos I bring in when I get my hair cut. I love all the layers and the razored edges of these cuts and how they have a distinct shape. I want my volume to be around the top of my head while the ends remain thinner and pointed, so bringing pictures with you really helps your stylist understand what you're looking for.

***

In a fantasy world, I'd love to be brave enough to dye my hair a rich red, a lavender or a grey-blue, but I'm not sure I'd be able to commit to the upkeep that it would require. 

***

I did a test using Photoshop to see if I could pull off a crazy color, which shade is your favorite? If you could have any hair color, what would you choose?

Visit my Pinterest if you guys want to see more hair inspiration photos!

June Favorites

Smashbox Full Exposure Palette - $49
At first I hated this palette because I was having a major fallout problem with the shimmer shades, they were way too messy and didn't stick, but my friend Leila would always use it at work and she loved it, so I played around with it a little bit more, wetting the shadows and using the brush that comes with the palette and now I can say that I like it as a whole. My favorite part is still all of the matte shades, I love that they come in warm and cool versions and that they're easy to blend and layer. The brush it comes with is AWESOME. Use it... really!

Stila Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Shadow in 'Pixie Dust' - $32
This pigment/glitter/eyeshadow is beautiful! I have been using it daily and it spices up any look. The way that it catches the light is unbelievable, it creates a glowy iridescence that is just stunning! I layer it over my finished eyeshadow look to give a bit of extra shine and drama. Pro Tip: I would advise to pat it on your eye with your finger, mixing it with the liquid primer that comes with the shadow has never worked out very well for me, it just gets sticky and clumpy and very unattractive.

Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Moisturizer - $45
This moisturizer improved my cell turnover rate and my skin became clearer and smoother. I started seeing results after the first use, so I immediately fell in love with this product. I experienced some minor stinging, but it was not unpleasant and it just made me feel like it was working. This product will help clear pores, soften lines & wrinkles and improve the brightness and clarity of the skin.

Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel - $54
This advanced treatment worked wonders for my skin. I paired it 
with the PTR moisturizer to get the results I wanted, and it left me with softer, smoother skin and more clarified pores. You will see blemishes appear while using these two products because they pull out the congestion in the skin but it's so worth it because once your skin decongests it looks flawless!

Here are some of the ingredients and what they do: 

-Salicylic Acid 2% (Beta Hydroxy Acid): Reduces the appearance of blemishes, and discourages the formation of blackheads and blemishes by minimizing pore size. 

-Glycolic Acid Complex 10% (Alpha Hydroxyl Acid): Supports natural cell turnover. 

-Licorice: Helps ease irritation and even skintone. 

-Retinyl Palmitate: Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

To watch this video on Youtube, click HERE.

My Skincare Secret... shhhh don't tell!

“Once upon a time, there was a book of spells found on the banks of the Seine, in Paris. Doctor Hertzog, who was renowned for his mesotherapy treatments, found a recipe in it for the youth elixir used by Queen Isabella of Hungary in the 17th century. It is said that she charmed the king of Poland, thirty-five years her junior, with her radiant complexion. The dermatologist entrusted his discovery to Mathilde Thomas, who was just launching Caudalie. In 1996, Beauty Elixir was born. And what is the recipe for this versatile natural cocktail? Benzoin to soothe the skin, myrrh to renew, rosemary essential oil to purify, lemon balm to calm and peppermint to stimulate, along with orange blossom to soften, rose for radiance and, of course, moisturizing grape pulp 
extract, Caudalie’s signature ingredient.” ~ Caudalie


Now that you know some of the history behind my skincare secret, let me tell you a little bit about how I use it and why I love it so much!

Caudalie's Beauty Elixir is a multi purpose spray, part toner and part serum mist of essential oils and plant active ingredients. It is my morning energizer, my midday pick-me-up and my nighttime de-stressor. I will spray it on my complexion in the morning & throughout the day and my favorite part is that you are actually supposed to inhale the mist as you spray it because it's revitalizing for the skin and for the body. It really does refresh me inside and out and it is something that I will always repurchase. It soothes and brightens the skin when worn alone as a treatment and it also makes foundation and powder sit more naturally when sprayed over makeup. It is formulated to smooth the skin, tighten pores and provide an instant burst of radiance, as it stimulates microcirculation.

Formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

I really do suggest it to everyone (except if you are sensitive to plant oils) and the great thing is that it comes in two sizes, a 1 ounce bottle for $18 and a 3.4 ounce for $49, so it's affordable to try and see if you like it.

If you have tried the Beauty Elixir, or if you have your own skincare secret, let me know in the comments below!

My Top 5 Favorite Foundations (and my first video!)

I just posted my first Youtube video on my Nicole Marie Makeup channel, and it's all about my favorite foundations! All of them look naturally beautiful on the skin and they photograph wonderfully! 

Here is a list of the foundations I mention in the video:

1. YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat

2. Make Up For Ever Face & Body

3. Nars Sheer Glow

4. Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish

5. Illamasqua Skinbase

Watch it on Youtube here for better quality!

Let me know what you guys think! Would you want more videos?