Hair's the Deal

After trying almost every color, style, and length in these past 10 years, I think I've learned a thing or two about caring for and styling my fine, straight hair. A few products and tricks can make a major difference in achieving longevity in your color as well as volume and movement with your favorite cut.

Living Proof Full Shampoo

After I went dark, I realized that I needed to ensure that I was using products to ensure that my color didn't fade, so I did some research. While sulfates are responsible for the suds that make us feel clean, they are also stripping our hair of the natural oils and the rich color that we pay so much for. Therefore, sulfate free is the way to be. There are a lot of brands that have jumped on the bandwagon and whether you are spending $5 or $25, you can get a product that will protect your color. To lift my limp tresses, it's necessary to start with a clean slate and this shampoo really removes any product buildup with no harsh chemicals. Win, win!

Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Plus

A root pump is a necessary addition to whatever styling serum that you use (straightening oil, mouse, cream, or salt spray). My best friend and hairstylist, Kristin, turned me on to it. After applying my thickening cream, I always finger comb my hair and bangs into the shape that I want to achieve. Then, I spray this directly to the roots of the crown and get straight to blow drying. If I skip this step, my hair lays right against my head...aka my definition of a bad hair day.

Hot Tools Ionic Blow Dryer (with nozzle) & Olivia Garden Ceramic Round Brush

Up until junior high, I dried my hair without any care for which pieces went where since all I would do is part it down the middle, curl under the bottom with a 1" curling iron, tuck it behind my ears, and call it a day. The first cut I got that required use of a round brush was in high school and I remember being in tears during the first time styling it myself. Now, after roughly 5,000 goes at it, it's like the brush and my hand are one. Hopefully, for those who are new to it or still figuring it out, this information that will make the process easier, along with this video (start at the 2:30 mark). 

1. The shorter your hair, the smaller the brush. I currently have three different sizes based upon the changing lengths I've recently sported.
2. Always use the nozzle and change it's direction so that it's parallel to your brush.
3. Don't use the round brush until your hair is about 50% dry.
4. If you have long hair, separate it into sections (as many as needed) and start at the bottom.
5. When it comes to bangs, always dry them in the direction you want them to lay. After they are 95% dry, use the "cool" button and give them a five to ten second shot to set them in place. This holds especially true for the side swept style. 
6. Despite your best efforts, if your style doesn't look right parted one way, try to flip it to the other side - from right to left or vice versa. Sometimes my bangs are a bit too "curled" looking and this trick leads to the exact look I want.

Jonathan Dirt Texturizing Paste

This paste and I have been bffs for about eight years. Nothing, and I mean nothing, has tamed fly aways and created piecey texture like this gem. I use barely a dime size and rub it all over my fingertips  until it's sheer and run it all over the ends - not the root. It really creates that "undone but done" look without any greasiness.

Sebastian Shaper Plus Hairspray

If you want flexible hold that dispenses in a super fine mist and lasts all day while supporting volume, this is your make and model. I've gone between this and the Big Sexy Hair option for years. When my hair is short and needs to stay in the exact place I place it, I use Big Sexy Hair since as it's much stronger and less movable. As my hair grows out; however, I don't want helmut head or any crunchy or sticky pieces. so I switch to the Sebastian one. 

About Face - Eye Make-Up Regimen

While I am committed to addressing my skin and my face make-up, the eyes have it! Almost every day, I play up my eyes with a few colors of shadow, eyeliner, and mascara in varying intensities depending on the event. I struggle with a few things in the eye area: long but light eyelashes, dark under-eye circles, and blonde eyebrows. After applying my foundation, but not before my concealer, bronzer, blush, or setting powder, I do my eyes. And this is my routine...

Urban Decay Original Primer Potion

Over the many years that I have tried new products, I have never considered switching my eyeshadow primer, or going without (cringe). This cream blends evenly and smoothly and there is nary a crease from 7am until sometimes 10pm. I put it on my eyelid (eyelash to eyebrow) as well as under my under eye concealer.

Urban Decay Naked Palette

This palette is the Holy Grail of eyeshadow palettes. I don't need to beat a dead horse as everyone and their mother has commented on the durability and wearability of these tones. But, I will share a bit of how I apply these complimentary and flattering shades. I always start with one of the four colors on the left (Virgin, Sin, Sidecar, or Naked) in the inner corner and extended up and out to where the brow ends. Then, I take one of  dark shades (Gunmetal, Creep, Dark Horse, or Hustle) and by making a triangle (like this < ) from the crease and getting biggest under the crease towards the outer end of my eye. Lastly, I use an in-between color (Buck, Half Baked, Smog, or Toasted) and blend it from the middle to the outer corner and slightly above the crease for some depth. Since each shade goes with every other shade, combining them is incredibly easy! Try brown with bronze, black with gold, or gray with peach, and don't be afraid to experiment while sticking to my tried and true method!

Eco Tools Bambo Eye Shading Brush

The Naked Palette comes with a great brush, but I only use it for the darker shadows as it is stiffer and therefore, allows for a more precise application into the crease. For the lighter and in-between colors, I stick to a fluffier option that is no less effective at depositing the highly pigmented shadow, but allows for a more coverage and easier blending.

Stila Smudge Pot in Bronze or Black

I don't remember how or why I was introduced to using gel liner rather than traditional varieties, but I will never go back. It's waterproof, smudge-able, build-able, and long lasting. I dislike a hard line, so when applied with an eyeliner brush, the line is softer and blends in with mascara since you can push it into the lash line, top and bottom. I always do a bit of an upward flick at the outer corner (a subdued cat eye, if you will), and it's much easier than using liquid liner. I use bronze or black that both compliment the Naked palette shades. Sometimes, I even use black on the top and bronze on the lower lash line!

 Maybelline Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length & Volum' Express The Falsies

I have long, straight, and blonde eyelashes. Unless I curl them with the Shu Uemura eyelash curler and coat them with mascara, they're forgettable. Since they are long, smudging under my eyes is always an issue. I've used non-waterproof varieties and have looked like a raccoon by 10am. While I still use Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder after applying concealer and highlighter, I find that a waterproof mascara helps exponentially. I've tried the most popular varieties of Voluminous and Great Lash, but have had the most success with these lengthening and voluminizing Maybelline options. Plus they're cheap! I apply one coat of Lash Stiletto and then Falsies. I never thought about using two different types, but they do very different yet equally flattering things to my lashes.

Benefit Cosmetics Brow Zings

I've had struggles with my eyebrows, like over tweezing, ingrown hairs, and then there was a phase when I thought that my eyebrows needed to be darker than my dark hair. As it turns out, the rule is a shade darker for light hair and a shade lighter for dark hair. Now, I'm right as rain and this little compact is a big part of that. It's a wax and a powder - I use the angled brush first with wax and follow up with the powder to enhance the color - and it doesn't budge until I use my eye make-up remover. Ensure that you blend the two together well to make it look as natural as possible.

Yves St. Laurent Touche Eclat

The newest, and arguably most important product for my eyes, is this highlighter. I held off due to the steep price tag, but it is absolutely and completely worth it (and then some). You've read the reviews yourself and thought, "Maybe I should, but...," I promise you will not be disappointed. I put it on after my concealer and my whole face looks happier. Like my concealer, I pat this on with my ring finger.

About Face - Make-Up Regimen

After outlining the specifics of my skin care regimen, it feels natural to keep the conversation going with make-up. Much like skin care, I'm a product whore and have tried a ton of different products. my biggest concerns for make-up include dark under eye circles, uneven skin tone, and oiliness. Through trial and error, I have found that these products (and application method) work the best for those issues. I'll be addressing only face make-up in this post, but stay tuned, because my eye make-up routine is up next!

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light

It's no secret how effective this line of primers is. They have so many different types for different concerns, such as color correcting, mattifying, luminizing, and hydrating. Although some individuals are starkly against silicone primers (even though they don't clog your pores), I find that nothing works better or is more necessary for foundation (powder or liquid). It's like a Swiffer for your make-up and will snatch it right off your brush and make it stay despite daily tribulations.

Givenchy Photo'Perfexion Fluid Foundation

Almost every time I run out of foundation, I try the newest one that the Sephora saleswoman tells me too. I've loved Make Up For Ever, Lancome, Bare Minerals, and Urban Decay, but nothing has impressed me like the coverage, softness, and durability of this one. When I first switched to it, my fiancé immediately commented on how flawless my skin looked. Definitely a keeper.

Urban Decay Good Karman Optical Blurring Brush

There are many ways to apply liquid foundation, and after using a typical "foundation" brush, I found that the make-up didn't look blended. It seems counter-intuitive to use a powder looking brush will lots of natural bristles for a liquid; however, buffing it on to the skin produces a much more natural look. Plus, it feels so nice to apply!

Eco Tools Bamboo Powder Brush

When it comes to any of my powders - bronzer, blush, and setting powder - I use this brush. It's cheap, but incredibly effective at transferring to the face and not just shifting down the shaft, thereby needing to use more precious product and no one wants that.

Lancome Star Bronzer Natural Glow

During college, I applied a bronzer on cheeks and called it a day. My, how the times have changed! Now, I put it all over (strategically, of course), on my temples, bridge of my nose, tip of my chin, and hollows of my cheeks. I prefer a matte color of bronze so as not to appear sparkly, especially in photos.

Smashbox Blush Rush in Radiance

This color makes me so happy, as do the results. Yes, it is a bright blush. Yes, I only use a little on only the apples of my cheeks. It brightens up my face with the nicest and most flattering flush, like a ran in the winter or pinched my cheeks for color. It's a nice addition to the bronzer.

Clinique Even Better Concealer

I do not suffer from dark under-eye circles (thank heavens), but I do need coverage and brightness where my face creates shadows.  A big concern of mine is darkness under my eyes resulting from long eyelashes (boo hoo, right?). This product is creamy, not cakey, and lasts and lasts. To apply, I use my ring finger, it's much more gentle this way, rather than prodding this tender area with harsh bristles. However, this alone is not responsible for keeping the run off from my mascara away, it's necessary to use a powder to set everything.

Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder

 Lifesaver. Pure and simple. While it may appear white, I promise you it is as translucent as lucite and provides an airbrush finish. Applying this powder is like when you go to get a manicure/pedicure and slathering your almost dry nails with a cuticle oil, so that if you brush against something, the oil moves and not your polish. There's no better way to ensure your expertly applied foundation, concealer, bronzer, and blush stays put!

About Face - Skincare Regimen

My first memory of even thinking about my skin is when I was studying abroad in Manchester, England. Hello, adult onset acne! I tried a tea tree oil face wash and moisturizer, but it just didn't work. Although the stress of being away from home and a poor diet may have been to blame as well. As soon as I landed state side, I had an order in for Proactiv. I maintained that regimen until the age of 29 when it seemed to lose it's effectiveness, or maybe my skin chemistry changed. Either way, I needed to update my products. I tried every Neutrogena, Loreal, Garnier, and Oil of Olay combination of washes, toners, masks, and moisturizers, but nothing seemed to work. I needed something that controls oil and acne, but since I am approaching 30 (13 days and counting), I also needed moisture to prevent wrinkles and fine lines. Since I've been around the block a time or two, I figured I would share what has worked for me.

In the morning, it's recommended to use the gentle cleaners and lighter moisturizers or serums.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
This was my first face cleanser, due to my mom's influence (who has been using it for 40 years), and it will likely be my last. It's soap free and gentle, but effective. If you've never used it, you might be turned off my the lack of suds, but that means its not stripping your face of the good oils and that's a good thing. It also works as a eye make-up remover if you're not using waterproof varieties.

Aczone
After bleaching every towel and pillow case I ever owned, I was happy to be prescribed a topical gel for the treatment of acne that was not a benzoyl peroxide. It's not nearly as drying yet is still mattifying, and with insurance, it can be acquired for $25 (a heck of a lot cheaper than Proactiv).

Dr. Victoria Barbosa Moisturizing Cream
The dermatologist that changed the life of my skin makes this moisturizer, but it's likely similar to other light, oil-free options. 

Ole Henriksen Fresh Start Eye Cream

I'm a bit of a product whore and will take the advice from any sales person at Sephora and I'm happy I listened to the one who recommended this one. It's creamy and heavy, yet sinks in quicker than anything I've tried. They key when applying eye cream is to pat it along the orbital bone - no closer than that to your eyeball.

At night, you should clean deeper, moisturize more, and kick your wrinkles' butt!

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
I use waterproof mascara and need something heavy duty, but don't want that oily feeling even after I wash my face. This option provides just that. I hold a cotton square over my closed eye for at least five seconds to allow the solution to soak into my eyelashes. The worst thing you can do is tug and pull at the under eye area since the skin is as thin as piece of Kleenex (not the lotion enriched ones either)!

Cetaphil Oil Control Foam Wash
This is a relatively new formula from the folks at Galderma corporation and it's another winner. As a foam, you get the suds that the Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser doesn't provide. The active ingredient is zinc and it aids in acne prevention, plus I've found my skin much less oily half way through the day.

Clarisonic Mia
The biggest game changer in my arsenal. It provides such deep cleansing and removes make-up, dirt, oil, etc. from the day, so that any serums and moisturizers will work more effectively. With all that money spent on products, why not ensure that they work as well as they can?

Trentinoin
While retinols were created for acne, the benefits for wrinkle prevention keep them in rotation for both concerns. I highly recommend receiving a prescription because the ones sold over the counter are a very low dosage and essentially, a waste of money. Be sure that you use a heavy moisturizer and ease into it by using it every third or every other night until your skin adjusts.

Coconut Oil
This step might be the most surprising. Yes, this is oil, such as one that you can throw in a skillet with veggies. Coconut oil is antibacterial and therefore, helps with acne prevention, but is incredibly moisturizing. But, how can an oil do that? A common misconception is that oily skin is over moisturized, but it's exactly the opposite - oil is produced when you strip your face of oils! While the introduction of this at nighttime means that I have to wash my pillows a bit more frequently, the pros far out weigh the cons.

Bag Balm
A mother's influence strikes again with this balm is oh so good at moisturizing my lips. It was developed to prevent cow's udders from the cold (weird, but you'll get over it) and works so much better and lasts so much longer than Vaseline. If I put it on at night, I still wake up with some on.

Do any of you use these products? What works for you?