Showing posts with label Hair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hair. Show all posts

4.14.2020

When it comes to hair, I'm all about low maintenance. It's not necessarily because I don't have the time or desire to do more, it's because I don't have the patience. Like all of my beauty routines, I prefer a simple, more natural style. I want to enhance what I like, conceal what I don't, and above all I want to look and feel my best. Beauty doesn't have to be complicated - in fact, it really shouldn't be.

A hair routine does involve some trial and error. It's taken me years to figure out what types of products I like, what I'm willing to budget for, areas where I can cut costs and corners, and a hair stylist that really knows my preferences. It wasn't always this easy; I've tried so many different brands both from the drugstore and higher end. You have to figure out what you're really aiming for and you have to be realistic. I'm a naturally dark brunette, so going platinum blonde or even a honey blonde just isn't in the cards for me. I could try, but I'd ruin my hair and that's the last thing I'd want! So I stick with my brown locks, try my best to work with my natural wavy, frizzy texture and I focus on adding lots of moisture and shine. I do have some lighter balayage at the crown, but I do very little color treating and am planning on going a bit darker again. I also trim my hair every few weeks to get rid of any dead ends. I had to cancel my appointment right before the quarantine began so it's not in the best shape at the moment! Once it's safer to leave home, I'm hoping to get in to see my stylist for a refresh.

Until then, this is my low fuss routine. It won't work for everyone or every hair type, but I hope some of you find the tips useful.

My hair type: each strand is fine, but I have a lot of it. It is naturally wavy and very frizz prone.

1) Shampoo every three days or twice per week. 
I currently use a shampoo called Clear but I believe it's being totally discontinued. I used to buy it at the drugstore, but can barely find it online. Are any of you familiar with it? Heidi Klum was the spokesperson ages ago. The idea is that good hair begins at the scalp and I am a huge advocate for that. My scalp tends to get very dry, so I focus on its health every time I wash. Unfortunately I also have oily hair, so that's a winning combination. Shampooing every three days seems to be the lucky number for me.


2) Use a scalp scrub or mask twice a month.
I've written about this scalp therapy here, and I've noticed a difference. My scalp is less itchy, less flaking occurs, and less congested. Remember, your scalp is still skin! It can get clogged and irritated just as your face can.

3) Deep condition once a week. 
A nourishing deep conditioning treatment is vital to maintaining healthy hair. I usually leave mine on while I shave and cleanse my body so it can really work its magic...the longer it stays on the better. I also use an overnight mask when my ends are especially brittle, then wash and rinse it out the following day.

4) Air dry when possible. Otherwise, limit heat styling.
Now that many of us are staying home, why not give the heat styling a rest? I've completely taken a break from straightening and curling. I can't quite give up the blow dryer, but I use a low heat setting and then seal the ends with a blast from the cool button.

5) Don't overdo dry shampoo.
It's tempting to slap on the dry shampoo when you want an extra day to avoid washing it, but dry shampoos cause so much buildup. My hair stylist has told me some truly disgusting horror stories! I won't share here, but let's just say she's seen an increase in awful scalp issues over the last couple years because dry shampoo has skyrocketed in popularity. Now there's nothing wrong with it per se and we all want to simplify our daily hair routines by washing it less. Just be careful of how frequently and how much you're using.

6) Limit the amount of styling products you use. 
Less is more. Piling on different products to achieve certain results seems like a great idea, but it all can end up doing more harm than good. I know that my hair looks weighed down very easily, so I use a leave-in conditioner while my hair is damp, then follow up with an anti-humidity/shine spray once it's all dry. You really don't need more than two or three products max, and a little goes a long way. It also cuts down on cost. I can't afford to be buying Oribe or Ouai every other month.


What's your daily or weekly hair routine? Do you like to experiment with yours, or are you low maintenance? If you're someone who loves playing with trends and color, how do you care for your hair? I could talk about it all day!

9.18.2019

I approach trends in beauty the same way I approach them in fashion - cautiously. I prefer looking natural, not because I'm super busy all the time and can't make the extra effort, but really because I just favor a more natural look in general. Even when I go out at night or attend a special event, I don't pile on the makeup or fuss much with my hair. Just clean and put-together is my M.O. and it's something I've become increasingly comfortable with. Contouring my face every morning? Not gonna happen. Acrylic nails? Ouch!

That doesn't mean I don't like having fun though! It's good to switch things up every once in awhile, especially in the beauty department. A new lipstick shade or shorter haircut can be the simplest way to get out of a beauty rut. And please, if you're one who does enjoy keeping up with all of the latest treatments and trends, then that's great! Do what makes you feel confident and beautiful.

Anyway, my friend Nicole does eyelash extensions and after months of admiring her work on clients I decided to just go for it as a birthday treat to myself.

Eyelash Extensions:

I'll admit that I was a little nervous to try eyelash extensions, mostly because I thought it would be such a tedious process and I'm not great at being still for too long. I obviously can only speak of my own experience, but the process was much easier and faster than I thought! I arrived for my appointment at 10:00 a.m. and was done by 12:30 p.m. I found it very relaxing. I wore loose, comfortable clothing so that I could enjoy lying on her table (the same you've probably experienced if you've ever gotten a massage or facial). I had clean skin with zero makeup on. From there, my friend explained what she would be doing, including showing me the tape she would be using to prevent my lower lashes from sticking to my upper lashes during the process. Every lash extension has to be individually applied to your natural lashes and that's no easy feat! My natural lashes are incredibly short and sparse so she used lash extensions that would just enhance them and add a bit more length and fullness without looking obvious. I'm telling you, natural is key for me. We chatted most of the time, and I had to keep my eyes closed until she was completely done.

I must mention that I often deal with seasonal allergies. I have dry eyes which ironically makes them water all the time, and I was so worried that these factors would have a negative effect on extensions. Now that I've had them for over a week, I feel comfortable saying that my eyes and lashes are great! I haven't experienced any discomfort, no itching, swelling, nothing. I can hardly feel them. My eyes still water throughout the day, but I just make sure I don't rub them. I use a lash comb as needed, mostly in the morning, and I can still wash my face and do my normal skincare routine.

I'll have my first fill next week. I'm not certain how long I'm going to keep them on (probably just a month), but I'm so happy that I decided to try them because they really do enhance the face. As always, I just recommend that you do some research on professionals in your area, including pictures and testimonials. I've read some terrible stories! Honestly though, my natural lashes are almost non-existent, so my level of fear that they will become even less so is pretty low.


Fresh lash extensions. These are known as the "classic" set.
If you have any specific questions I didn't mention, let me know! I'm sure my friend has the answer.


Hair:

Aside from getting lash extensions right before my birthday, I also freshened up my hair color. It had been months since I had any color done, and it was starting to look really brassy in areas and the ends were pretty blonde. My stylist brought me back to the darker side, albeit with some lighter pieces melted throughout. I've had balayage for a little over a year now and I still enjoy the dimension and warmth it brings. I'm tempted to go back to completely dark sometimes, but this type of color is so easy to maintain that I don't find it to be much more upkeep than my natural hair.


I'm really happy with the products I'm using on my hair so I'm putting together a separate post!

Do you update your beauty routines often? Have you tried eyelash extensions, balayage, or other  beauty treatments? Please share!

Linking up with On The Daily Express and Straight A Style

11.18.2016


I'm not afraid of changing my hair. I know a lot of women feel that theirs is a security blanket, and I completely understand that. But it's just hair, right?! It grows. If we are one of the fortunate ones blessed with good health, I think it's a little childish to be so committed to something so trivial as hair. I saw a woman yesterday at the store and struck up a conversation with her in the checkout line. She was wearing a scarf over her head, and was flipping through a magazine with Reese Witherspoon on the cover. She whispered to me that she missed having long beautiful hair, but that she was going through chemo and radiation and so she was losing quite a bit of hers. I instantly felt like an idiot for ever complaining about mine. If this woman can endure such a painful process, I can certainly stop caring so much about what mine looks like.

The whole thing got me thinking. I've hated my hair since I was a kid. My mom used to cut it into a bob, and sorry ma, but you did a pretty bad job (she knows this lol). I always wanted to be blonde with long straight locks that never frizzed up. Obviously I didn't inherit that in the DNA department, so I did what I could to highlight and straighten the hell out of it. I grew it long in my twenties, but after getting married, I chopped it off and it's been fairly short ever since. Now that it's growing out, I'm tempted to change the color and go a bit lighter. But do I really want the hassle? To spend the money? I like my hair dark because it's low maintenance, and it costs hardly anything to take care of. But I'm getting that itch to just go for it. It's hair.


I'd also like to start doing more with it, and by that, I mean putting it back in a bun. So feminine! I've picked some things from Pinterest to show you.





Here is the color I would absolutely love! Still natural like I prefer but definitely lighter than what I have currently.






What do you think (keeping in mind that lovely woman I told you about). It's a shallow question, but one I feel safe asking about on this blog 😊

8.10.2016


Since cutting my hair a couple of years ago, I've come to the realization that I am happiest when I don't have to fuss with it too much. For years, I've straightened and flat-ironed it to death in the hopes that it will magically behave and look exactly as I want it to. It's been so hot and dry this Summer that often the wash and go style is the most practical, so that's what I've been doing on a fairly regular basis. Who wants to spend time with hot tools when it's over 100 degrees outside?

***When I crave a more polished look, I'll go to my local blow-dry bar and have one of the girls deal with my locks. That's a secret weapon I feel all women should treat themselves to! I'm telling you it's better than a mani, pedi, or massage. It's a confidence boost in thirty minutes! You leave the salon feeling like a million bucks.***

But back to my current love - wearing my hair naturally on the days where I don't treat myself to a blow out and just let it dry and do its thing. I was once convinced that there wasn't a single product out there that would allow me this freedom, but I have found two recently that I have to share with you. For reference, I have fine hair, but a ton of it. I also have naturally wavy, frizzy hair. Sound like you? Well then read on! One is from the drugstore for less than $10, and the other I get at the salon but I know that department stores carry it as well.


John Frieda Air Dry Waves - This product is key. After washing my hair, I allow it to air dry for about 15 minutes, usually while I do my makeup. Then, I comb it using a wet brush and apply a generous amount of this foam, concentrating on the middle and ends of my hair. You can apply it to the roots as well, but because most of my frizz is focused on my ends, I don't find that I need much at the top. You have to make sure that your hair is still fairly damp, even to the point of soaking wet in order for this to work and seal in moisture so you don't end up with extra frizz.

Oribe Wave and Shine Spray - Once my hair is almost dry but not quite there, I use this spray to add even more wave. It also produces major shine and holds your waves in place. The fact that I want to bathe in the scent helps too!

Now I'm not claiming that all of my unwanted hair issues are solved, but these products are the best I have found and trust me, I have tried practically everything over the years. It may not be the most polished look, but if you prefer that, feel free to run a curling iron or wand to add more dimension. For me, I just like the ability to wash and go, so I use these and let mother nature do the rest. It fits into the whole Cali beach vibe.




Completely air-dried, using the above products:




What do you think? Do you let your hair do its own thing in the Summer?

4.08.2016





When it comes to my hair, I have just a few goals:

1) Soften

2) Smooth

3) Tame static and flyaways

4) Keep my color a rich chocolate brown (almost black is my preference)

5) Pray to the hair Gods that it doesn't consistently look like crap



I'm not going to do a complete review of the products I've been using for at least a couple of months, but I will highlight why I will continue to re-purchase.

Living Proof Night Cap - This is an overnight hair mask that I use once per week and then rinse out in the morning. It imparts tons of softness and shine. This is just a large sample that I received as a Sephora perk, but I'm buying the full size once this is gone. Hey, we use masks to moisturize our skin, why not do the same for our hair? Genius.

Aveda Phomollient - I've tried many volumizers at the roots of my hair to add some lift, but most weighed down my fine hair. This is great because it's more of a liquid instead of a mousse. I pump some out into my hands and apply directly into my roots and onto my scalp, concentrating on the crown of my head.

Matrix Biolage Anti-Static Spray - I attract static like a balloon, especially when the weather is dry and windy. This is the only product I've found that really combats and prevents my hair from standing on end. Or, looking like I stuck my finger in a light socket! It's a God-send.

Aveda Dry Shampoo - I'm not a huge fan of dry shampoo. I usually wash my hair every third day, or three times per week. In between, I just let it do its thing. I was using a spray dry shampoo, but it didn't quite absorb all the extra oils. This is very similar to baby powder. It does leave a white residue, but if you rub it into your roots like crazy, I assure you it will disappear. I love the herbal scent as well. It's refreshing and very clean, and if you're familiar with Aveda then you know what I'm referring to. Also, a little goes a long way, so I feel like this product is giving me my money's worth.



I hope you enjoyed this hair product update. Otherwise, I'm using the same products I've already written about. If you have any must-haves that I need to try, please let me know! I love experimenting.

12.18.2015

Is it Winter yet? No? Not until next week I believe. Well you can tell my skin that because it has been in Winter mode for about a month now and it looks like it might be a rough season (pun intended). As much as I love the cooler temperatures, my skin goes into shock every year and becomes so bitterly dry that I spend a small fortune trying to find the latest and greatest products so I don't look like a withering piece of old fruit. Not only is dry skin bothersome, but it can also be itchy and painful. Not to mention how it ages you! I'm still on the lookout for a great body balm or butter, but I do have some other products that I swear by every Winter. If you suffer from the same problem, maybe these will be worth trying for you as well. I've already done little reviews on most of these products so I'm just refreshing your memories and letting you know that I don't just buy things, blog about them, and move on. I really am very loyal to certain items because they work!





Can you tell I love this brand?

This product is new. I bought it in place of my Lush body conditioner because that product isn't easily accessible and this one by Nivea is. I think I prefer the Lush, but only because of the rose scent. Otherwise, this works just as well and leaves my skin much softer than if I didn't add the extra step.


I just bought a new body lotion from Target that I'm going to test, and I also was sent a couple of organic skin products from a Canadian brand. Stay tuned in the next couple of weeks for reviews on those. Winter skin is serious beauty business! Let me know if you ladies have any recommendations for me! 

1.26.2015





Wearing //
Kensie Pullover, recent (check stores)
Zara pumps, similar
Kate Spade bag, similar color also by KS
Sole Society earrings (unseen)
Nordstrom BP sunglasses




Some days, you just don't want to fuss over an outfit. You still want to look put-together, but you don't want to put the effort in. Hey, we've all been there right? As much as I love styling my clothes and dressing myself using pretty accessories, I do have "off duty" days where a sweater and comfortable jeans is all I need to run out the door. I'm so happy I found this pullover at Macy's last week. It's soft as can be, and the faux lace detail around the neckline adds that feminine touch I gravitate towards. After SOMEONE I know accidentally stuck a similar pullover in the dryer a few months ago, I had been wanting to replace it. That one was torn to shreds, so I tossed it. I love him to death, but he will never touch my laundry again. 


Speaking of no fuss style, although I still love my short hair, I think it's time to begin the grow-out process again. I don't want it as long as it used to be before the big chop of 2014, but I would love a longer bob. Something like this:




12.12.2014


I've recently received a couple reader emails about my current hair routine. To say these types of emails are incredibly sweet and flattering are an understatement, because I really don't do much and I HATE doing my own hair! I really think a lot of it has to do with genes. Mine is as frizzy and unruly as my dad's (thank you for that Mr. man)

I haven't changed things up too much, but I do want to let you know the products I swear by. First, let me say that my hair is naturally wavy, but not the "pretty mermaid" kind. I have a ton of it, but the actual texture is very soft and fine. I wash it every two days, and can't go any longer because that's just a personal preference. I have friends who wash theirs every day, and I have some that can go up to four. I think it depends on your hair's texture. It also depends on your lifestyle. Every two days is perfect for me. So that's the back story. You ladies know I chopped it early this year after frying it during and after my wedding and honeymoon. I felt a new sense of self after getting married, and I wanted my outer appearance to reflect that, however slight the change might have seemed.

                                                                                 Before:





After:




So as you can see, the color is still the same. My hair is naturally pretty dark, but I do darken it up with all-over color about two or three times per year to keep it rich. If it ever looks lighter, it's either the sunlight or it's faded a bit. My color holds a lot of red.




Products I use:

 Clear Total Care shampoo/conditioner. 
You can buy it at any drugstore, it smells amazing, and it's really whipped my dry scalp into shape. It does contain sulfates, which was something I was against for a long time, but now that I don't color my hair very often, I really don't mind. It's also super affordable. 



Macadamia Deep Repair Masque 
I use this about once per week for extra moisture. It really helps to soften my ends and eliminate extra frizz. Don't get me wrong, my hair is still frizzy as Hell even after using this, but it's less so.

I mentioned the Aveda Volumizing Tonic a few weeks back, and it really is the lightest but most effective volumizer I've ever tried. 
It really adds some natural body to my fine hair without weighing it down too much. 


TRESemme Keratin Smooth Treatment
I only use this when I want super straight locks. It really works, to my own surprise! It sounded like a gimmick to me, but I tried it using a coupon and I really enjoy it. It works with the heat of your straightener. I use a GHD by the way, and have for years now. Before that, I loved my Chi. Both are great if you're in the market for one. I don't curl my hair very often, maybe just a couple times per month. I have a Hot Tools for that. And I'm laughing because I just realized that my hair is all curls in the pictures above!


Fekkai Glossing Cream
My all-time favorite for shine and smoothing after I finish styling my hair. If you haven't tried it, you need to.





Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
My friend introduced me to this, as well as many of you beauty bloggers who convinced me I needed it. There's a wonderful salon in my area that sells it exclusively, so it's quite convenient (albeit expensive). It's really pricey, but worth the volume it provides. Nothing makes my hair bigger than this. Not that I have big hair at all, but it does reach the ceiling until I smooth it down with a brush!





So this seems like a lot, doesn't it? I don't feel it in my routine though, probably because I don't use these on a daily basis. I hope this helps any of you who are interested in new products. I can attest to the quality of them all. 
As you read this, I'm looking like a boho queen in Hawaii. Or at least I hope I am! I didn't pack really any of these products. Nope, just random minis I found at CVS. I like to go au natural when I'm by the beach :)

7.22.2014




Wearing // Express Romper
Loft cardigan, similar




Three new things here: 
 One, I am wearing a romper (or a onesie as hubby likes to joke). I've always been very skeptical of rompers. Not because they aren't adorable because they certainly are. I think I've just never found one that was flattering on me. Most I've ever tried either ride up or sit way too low in a certain womanly area, ahem. That alone has been enough to steer me away. But this one from Express sits just right, and it actually skims over my curves which I love. It's like a little black dress, but with shorts. Express knows how to do trends but still keep them classic looking.
Two, I finally found a blank wall/canvas in which to take blog pictures in front of. It's the obligatory white wall most of us see on blogs right? Well this just so happens to be city hall, and on Saturdays there is no one around. Perfect!
Three, my hair has never looked like this before. Ever. I went to an event at my friend's salon where she was doing a "braid bar". I wanted something totally out of my norm. I mean, the only time I wear my hair back is during a workout and a ponytail isn't exactly exciting so I told her to braid the sides and swing the rest of my hair into a loose bun. Humidity was high that day and I was a sweaty mess during these pictures but I really loved it. I need to remind myself once every so often to just try something new!

Oh, and new sunglasses from the brass plum section of Nordstrom! Those are new too :)

Linking up with Tara for Summer style.

1.14.2014








First things first - I cut my hair! Obviously :) I took the plunge on Saturday morning, and waltzed confidently into my sister-in-law's salon. She proceeded to immediately hand me a large wine glass full of orange juice and champagne and then got straight to work! I was able to show her pictures from this post and she used them to give me the cut I wanted. I'm still shocked every time I glance at myself in the mirror. I walked by a building yesterday and didn't recognize my reflection in the window! I haven't had my hair this short since high school. I love it though, I really do. It feels so airy and free, with lots of movement and body. I'm sure it'll take some getting used to, especially with styling it but I'm so proud of myself for making such a drastic beauty change. I'm not usually the type to change much of anything, so this is a huge step in the right direction. Maybe it'll inspire more positive changes.

After my cut, I came home and changed into this little cobalt number for pictures. This is one dress that makes me feel instantly polished, and it was the perfect compliment to my new 'do.

1.03.2014


It's been a long time since I had an actual, healthy haircut. Last year was spent planning and prepping for my wedding so I wanted to get my locks in good shape. I concentrated on washing it less (about every three days) and using good products that promoted softness, shine, and longer length. I trimmed it about half an inch every couple of months to get rid of the dry ends, but I didn't want to do anything drastic. Well the wedding has come and gone, and it's high time I finally get rid of dead weight! I'm hoping for a fresh start this year, and hair is symbolic of change for so many women.


photos c/o Pinterest


Aren't these ladies gorgeous?! I am still going to keep my dark color, but maybe add highlights once Summer hits. I want a longer bob with some long layers to break things up. I probably won't go above the shoulders, but if I like it enough, I may later. I'm never the type to jump in, I like more of a slow dip :)

Are you doing any beauty changes for the new year? 

2.28.2013


I am such a horrible beauty blogger. For those of you who just started reading my blog fairly recently, then you probably get the impression that I strictly blog about fashion, and that is not the case! I started Beautygirl24 almost four years ago, and with the full intention of blogging about beauty products and makeup, not fashion at all. Obviously that changed rather quickly once I delved into some amazing style blogs. I wanted to do the same! I've always thought that beauty and fashion go hand in hand. I don't think they can really be separated. I feel my best when I have on a fabulous outfit and when my lipstick looks just as great!

My beauty posts have been lacking over the past few months, and I can't quite figure out why. I guess I'm actually very content with the products I use on a daily basis, and they haven't changed too drastically since Summer. A new lip color here and there, some fun drugstore finds. But really, I don't buy as much makeup as I used to. I love my skincare routine, and I also love the products I've been using on my hair for the past year. However, I just discovered a few new things that I've incorporated into both my routines, and I have to tell you about them.

Hair:
Similar to a spray mousse that is used to add volume at the roots, but I love this because it doesn't feel quite as heavy once it's in my hair. I really enjoy the body it provides. I was previously using Big Sexy Hair Root Pump, and although I do still like it, I just prefer the overall feel of the Kenra. 


The BEST heat protectant! Not only does it work well with hot irons, but it also leaves your hair super soft and shiny. It holds style very well. It's really like a heat protector and hold spray in one. If you swear by a straightener or curling iron, I think you'll love this as much as I do.



I also just purchased this curling iron by Hot Tools, highly recommended by the gorgeous Veronika. I love her hair. That soft, touseled, wavy/curl is so pretty on everyone! It reminds me of Lauren Conrad's curls. I hope to play around with it enough so that I can achieve the same look. *Fingers crossed*




Skin:

I have super uneven skin, and I've always wanted to try a cream that could alleviate some of the uneveness on my cheeks and chin. You're supposed to use this every night, but I alternate between this and my Josie Maran Argan Oil. So far, so good. I don't think the results have been dramatic, but I do feel that it's working. I think I need to keep at it for another month before I truly make my final verdict. 



I received this small tube in my Sephora All-Stars kit (which by the way was one of the best things I've ever purchased). There's a reason why so many celebs swear by her products. This exfoliating mask is serious business. I keep this tube in my shower, and apply it once a week. It stings a bit, so I only leave it on for about a minute or so. I distribute an even amount and using slow circles, gently rub it into my skin. My face glows. I definitely will repurchase once this is gone!

 Have you tried any of these products? Any recommendations for something else I should try?
I promise I will do my best to keep beauty posts coming, as long as I have something worth mentioning, good and bad!

♥ Noelle


11.15.2012

 I feel like it's been such a long time since I last featured a few products that I can't put down. It's one thing to show you what I've been buying lately. The true test comes from what I'm using on a daily basis.

This Fall, I've been all about berry toned blush with a satin finish. I love coral when I'm tanned, but once my color fades, I like a beautiful berry pop right onto the apples of my cheeks. Nothing perks up my complexion more. These are surprisingly easy to wear. They can go on sheer, or packed on! I like somewhere in between. The MAC shades are no longer available, but the LORAC blush is beautiful. There are so many pretty berries out on the market, I'm sure you can find the perfect one for you.



This Chanel quad in Prelude is a gift from my best girl. I'm loving a plum smokey eye, and this lets you go light and natural, or dark and sultry. All four shades are incredibly flattering. I like to use my Sephora smudge brush in number 29 to line my eyes in the darkest shade. It lasts all day.




What is this flourescent pink blob you may ask? It's called a tangle teezer! Apparently it's very popular in the U.K. I got mine at Sally's Beauty and I've been using it every single day since. It's the perfect shape for the palm of your hand, and it glides along the hair easily to comb out tangles - minus the pain.




These three scented candles from Bath & Body Works make me so happy. I light them primarily at night after a long day. The Vanilla Bean Noel has been my favorite for years now.

What products are you loving this Fall?
♥ Noelle