Too Long, No Write

For almost three years, I was a fairly regular--albeit lazy--beauty blogger.  Since my husband has been home, I have just been busy.  I have been throwing my limited (limited, but growing) energy into other pursuits, and blogging has been the last thing on my mind.

Here are a few things I have been loving.  I haven't been voraciously researching new makeup, but sticking with the products and brands I love.  I am steadily trying to go more natural in all my body and skin products, but it's slow going sometimes!

FACE

Whenever I get to visit the outlet mall about a half hour from where I live, I always have to pop into the Cosmetics Company Store.  I see to be drawn to some new Bobbi Brown product every time I go in.  A couple of months ago, my husband talked me into buying this.  I kept waffling about it, but he knows he reluctant I am to make purchases sometimes. 

Bobbi Brown EXTRA Repair Foundation

Now, my skin is extremely combination.  Many things make my skin feel slick during the day.  However, when I keep it well moisturized in the morning, it tends to balance itself out.  My favorite product to moisturize with is Bobbi Brown EXTRA  Face Oil that I bought before my wedding last year (to layer under an oil free foundation with zero SPF.) My second favorite would be pure aloe vera gel.  Anyways, I do have to give a quick dusting of silica powder on my T-zone after using this, but I LOVE the smell and the sheer coverage.

 EYES

 Secondly, I am finally able to line under my eyes with a pencil liner.  It's a miracle!! I simply dust a little powder around my eye, and use Urban Decay Primer Potion (UDPP for short!) on the places I want to line.  I have been using CoverGirl LiquidLine Blast eye pencil in Blackest Black.  Properly prepped, it stays on great.  When I don't want to deal with ANY smudging, I go to my trusty Bobbi Brown gel liner.

HAIR

No, I did not do my hair myself here!  Yeah, right.  About a month after this, I chopped about four inches off of my hair.  My obsession with achieving ombre hair last summer has grown out beautifully, yet has taken a toll on the health of my hair.  I use a Pantene leave-in conditioner every time I wash my hair, and religiously use MorrocanOil.  I also still don't use heat anywhere but my bangs, except on rare occasions.

Well, that's about all the blogging I have in me right now.  I'll try to give product reviews here and there, so it doesn't go so long!

Curl Serum

It's been a while since I've raved about a new product. Lately, I've had criticisms for every product I've tried. Last winter through summer, Moroccan Oil could do not wrong for me--no greasiness, increased shine the longer you use it and very softening. However, this fall, with all of my color changes, I've needed a bit more. I've been dissatisfied with all of my wave products since the lightening of my hair changed its texture.

I happened upon this curling serum in TJ Maxx. For $4, I figured it was worth a shot--a defrizzer, conditioner and curl aid in one. Yes, please! I've used it three times now and I love it. It is everything I need right now. I've looked up reviews and apparently I am alone in my rave.

However, if you're looking for great deal, try your local TJ Maxx. If you're looking for a good deal, try here.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Ombre hair

If you have been reading my blog for some time, you might remember when my obsession with ombre hair began last spring. After dyeing my hair darker than my natural color using demi permanent color for years, I took the plunge with messy highlights. From there, I had a reddish brown put on my roots to blend the grown out look. About a month after that, I I had more highlights put in on the under layers so that there wasn't so much left over of the almost black color I favored for so long.

Since then, I have made a few trips to Sally's beauty supply and read up a bit more online. Part of me just wants to put a light brown gloss over the whole thing, and part of me figures after spending quite a chunk of money to get it here, I should just continue dyeing my little gray roots that grow in.

Here is where it is now











If you're interested in learning more about, by far, the easiest way to add highlights and with the least amount of upkeep, check out this tutorial from Hair on the Brain.

The pictures of Lily Aldridge remind me again why I've gone through all this hassle. The tutorial even tempts me to add a few more highlights around my face. However, I am STILL getting used to having bleached parts of my hair!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Hair Dilemmas

Well, readers, I have the urge to blog for the first time in A WHILE! Also, this is my first post from my Christmas iPad. The only beauty product I have purchased in months is a Kiehl's tinted moisturizer (more on that later.)

To catch up, I've been wearing mostly comfy yoga attire and wearing minimal jewelry. I am a big fan of "less is more" and I lazily enough have been adapting that as my motto. My favorite way to dress is still plain (plain, but well fitting) classics, updating with seasonal accessories.

My biggest annoyance right now is my hair. Grrrr, growing out my bangs has been so annoying. I have been lazy most days, but some days playing around with hot tools and various products. I had the same hair for years, and the change has really thrown me. My ombre hair color is still growing into its own, but it has made my hair must less silky. It's still very healthy, but...different. I have regretted putting so much color in a few times, but need to enjoy it since it's almost to what I had planned originally.

Here's the reality of my hair:

Beginning to grow out bangs







How I wear it most of the time since I get tired of little braids or twists







What I want it to look like soon








My plan is to do a demi permanent tint on my hair to give a bit more of a caramel color. Once my bangs get this long, I might end up chopping them...but I've come too far to stop now!

Goody Pony Pouf Review

I LOVED the Goody Spin Pin, as I raved about here. It is a great tool to have. So, I was excited to pick up the Good Pony Pouf Clip from Target a couple of weeks ago.

I have to say I was very disappointed. It has two clip sizes--one for fine and one for thick hair. I have fine hair, but a TON of it. Seriously, anyone who does my hair comments on how much hair I have. My ponytails are thick, and the larger size of this barely fits my mop.

I love the idea of poufing up a simple pony for a different look, but don't want to tease or backcomb too much as my fine hair tends to tangle. The only easy way to explain why this does not work for me is to say that the slivers used to grab the hair and pouf it are only on one side. Unfortunately, to use this right side up, it won't close around my fat ponytail. I can get it to close, upside down. That may not make sense unless you've seen one in person.

Has anyone had good luck with this product? Walmart is selling a set of Goody tools here.

The video about these is here.

L'Oreal Elnett

I'm back! It's been a crazy few weeks, but I've still managed to make some discoveries about the good, bad and perfect products.

First of all, this:
L'Oreal Elnett hairspray

Are you expecting another rave review? Well, I happen to disagree with every magazine beauty editor who has ever pushed me to buy this! For YEARS, I have read about this "wonder product." It is not all that, you guys. No at all.

Let me disclaim a little first. I have only used the small size of the Extra Strong Hold, rather than the Strong Hold. The reason is that it takes me forever to go through a bottle of hairspray. My aerosol cans always clog up, so my last purchase was a travel size of Dove Soft Hold spray. It has done everything I wanted it to (just getting my bangs to stay where I want them to, with light hold.) My hair holds shape too well, so I don't need more spray on it. Plus, I don't like the crunchy feeling of hairspray all over my hair. I use Frederick Fekkai Glossing Spray for a light, shiny hold.

Why don't I like this? I have to say the biggest reason is the smell. It is awful, and seems to get worse the longer it's on. I am not normally too sensitive to smells, but this one is just very old lady like and musty. Yuck.

The second reason is that it's really sticky for something that is supposed to be brushable.

The third is that is bodifies my already full bodied hair. It seems to frizz and fatten it up.

This was a huge disappointment since I've followed its cult status for years--from the illegal ingredient that wasn't allowed in the US, to its arrival at Target last year.

Half Up Hair

I saw this picture and was so inspired:

Not only is it gorgeous, but I am in such a hair rut right now.  My bangs are very awkwardly growing out, and I think I am not layered enough for my mushroom hair.  I'm just OVER my hair.

I foresee myself utilizing this hairstyle.  And I absolute adore the color, too.

 

Check out how to do it here.

The Vogue Diaries

I have been a bit behind on blog reading lately; I've just had so much going on.  Plus, when I'm on the computer, I have been Skyping Aaron or emailing him, so then I'm ready to do something in the real world when I'm done.

However, a couple of months ago, I discovered The Vogue Diaries.  I LOVE the pictures--the clothes, the makeup, the hair.  Oh my.  Check it out.

As a semi-related topic, I have been really over my bangs (and my hair in general.)  The one thing keeping me excited about it is growing out my bangs and having fun with the center part.  I'm over side swept, and into centered.

It is semi-related because these pictures are from The Vogue Diaries:

Anyone with Longish Hair--ATTENTION!

I have had a very busy few weeks.  I'm really trying to use any energy I have to spend time with my husband, and then rest when I get the chance.  It's actually worked out really well.

While at my in-laws' up in northern CA last week, I was watching TV and saw a commercial for the Goody Spin Pin.  I waited until Aaron came back and begged him to take me to a nearby drugstore.  I got one of the last ones. 

This is the most amazing invention I have seen in a long time.  It takes the place of twenty bobby pins.  My mass of hair can be spun into a bun so easily and without the usual claw clip digging into my scalp.

RUN to a drugstore and get one.

FYI, it's actually two pins.  SO easy and holds so well.  I have no more words to rave.

Hair Change

I have not been energetic enough to update my blog with anything that requires work.  I know; I'm lazy.  I have a few days to rest and recover from some busy and sickly weeks, though, so I'm excited.

Something huge is happening in my life tomorrow: I am highlighting my hair.  It has been eight years since I have put anything lighter in my hair!  I have been dyeing it darker for about six years, and just want change and also a way to blend in the ever-increasing gray.

I'm going for lighter, caramely highlights and not near the roots.  It will be painted on to blend (by teasing the hair before applying the color.)

SOME INSPIRATIONS

Haircut

Finally, five months later, I got my hair cut again.  I took off three inches.

Feels SOOOO good.

I'm also in the process of deciding on highlights.  It's all very exciting, but also scary since I haven't changed my hair color in seven years.  I have been very set on the super dark brown demi permanent color I use.  Glossy, long lasting, and darker.

Before:

(airdryed this morning, flat ironed bangs, used Moroccan Oil and Sunsilk Waves of Envy)
 

After:

(straightened, as they always do to see my layers)

David Babaii Bohemian Beach Spray Review

For about a year, I have been reading rave reviews about this spray.  I finally decided to try it, as I'm running low on the Sunsilk Waves of Envy Spray that I wrote about last year.  I love the oils and conditioners in that stuff.

Anyways, I purposely bought the David Babaii at Rite Aid since they have a return policy.  The pros: that stuff smells AMAZING.  I love the fragrant oils in it, but the sea salt counteracted that for me.  My hair isn't normally super frizzy, but this just created frizz for me.

I think I'll stick with my Sunsilk, and save my $10 to go toward the Moroccan oil I want so badly!

Bumpit

Today at Target, I made an uncharacteristic impulse purchase.  I haven't decided yet if I like it.  I think I need a bit more practice.  It's kind of digging into my scalp, and I'm so worried about the teeth showing through my hair.

Moroccan Oil

Wowza, this stuff is amazing. I kept seeing it raved about everywhere, but figured I didn't need another oil. I am already obsessed with Tahitian Monoi oil, Bio-Oil and Jojoba oil!

I stayed with Laura last week and she told me to try this Moroccan Oil. WOW. For her, it's taken the place of serum or Frederick Fekkai Glossing Cream (my drug of choice.) My hair is already pretty shiny, but I would never use FF on second day dry hair...for fear it would feel dirty or greasy. I used the oil on my hair the second day...NO oiliness, no dirty feel. It seriously restyled my hair. I love it.

The smallest size is $14.99. I may wait until I finish my jumbo tube of FF to purchase, but may break down and buy the small one...if I can find it with free shipping.

Clarifying Shampoos

I am a huge fan of deep cleansing--whether it's body, face, hair. I love the idea of stripping away the build up and starting fresh.

I steam my face over boiling water, apply a purifying mask. I use a mineral salt purifying body cleanser every once in a while. And I use a clarifying shampoo once a week.

Not only do you strip away the product build up, but it's the perfect time to apply a deep conditioner...penetrates more easily on that clean hair. It used to be that the clarifying shampoos were too harsh for color treated hair, but gone are those days.

Here are a couple of my favorites:

Neutrogena Anti-Residue


Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two

T.J. Maxx

I got a few very fun things from T.J. Maxx the other day. I forced my sickly body out of bed to go to Target for a few trip things. I had seen a mini, dual voltage flat iron in the Maxx a month or so ago, so stopped in.

I got the flat iron for my bangs on my trip. It was only $16 and so awesome that it is dual voltage! We'll see if I actually use it, or just clip them back and wear hats the whole time.

I found my second favorite self tanner that is no longer sold at Sephora, ModelCo Translucent Airbrush Tanner. I used to pay about $25 for it. Well, $7 at the Maxx! I love the smell of it.

Lastly, I got the little blue ruffly clutch on a whim. It was sitting on the end of a row...for $5. It'll be handy in London.

Natural Highlights

My hair is getting more and more gray strands!

This summer, I'm thinking about letting my natural sun highlights come in, rather than dyeing it with a darker (albeit demi permanent) brown.

I got this from Glamour and may try it...while lying out on the beach in Greece next month!

The Summer-Highlights CocktailWant sun-kissed highlights like Selena Gomez's? Salon Eiji's Michael Murphy says brunettes can DIY it by taking this "cocktail" with you next time you hit the beach. "Mix equal parts lemon juice and vodka and put it in a spritzer bottle," says Murphy. "Take a dip in the pool, then spritz your ends with the cocktail, starting at the ear level down, and let dry in the sun or hit with the blow-dryer." It gently lightens your hair for a more naturally sun-kissed look than a lot of salon highlights; color will be strongest on the lengths, where sun hits. And since the results are subtle, you don't need to worry about pricey touch-ups and the awkward grow-out phase.

Love Braids?

Total Beauty: Braid How-to's

New HG product

So, I have been in the market for a new dry shampoo. Since I cut my bangs again in February, I have tried using saltspray on them when drying (to make the hair less oily and more texturized) and have been trying to use up my Oscar Blandi dry shampoo. The salt spray is hit or miss...too much and my bangs are crunchy. Furthermore, the scent of the Blandi stuff is a lemon verbena--normally a smell that I would appreciate. Well, after a while, it becomes the smell I associate with dirty, greasy hair. Therefore, I hate the smell now. It makes me feel tired, in a hurry and dirty (unconscious response.)

Anyways, I read about Klorane dry shampoos--all natural ingredients--and happened to see one that is nonaerosol. I hate how every aerosol can I have ever owned has clogged--Jonathan hairspray, Sally Hanson Airbrush Legs, Artec hairspray, Pssss! dry shampoo, etc.

I ordered it, and I was thrown by the lack of an actual spray button. Instead, you turn it open to reveal a nozzle and then squeeze the sides to make it come out. It sounds complicated, I know...and it was hard to grasp at first. They even include an illustration on it!

But, the stuff works, has no obnoxious smell and doesn't make my hair all gritty. I love it! It comes out white, but turns to clear in a few seconds.

Does this mean that my bangs can look like this everyday now?? (As I wash my hair every other day.)

Big Fat Bun

I read about this hair donut on the Glamour beauty blog.

And last summer, happened across this tutorial. It is great and I wear my hair like that all the time. Check out pursebuzz's tutorial.

Here's me at Lindsy's wedding. My hair/makeup had to be done in under 5 minutes since I was doing the bride's hair/makeup until then. I was so stressed about her that I didn't plan on doing my own!