3 Hair Masks That I Love

With all the heat styling and color processing I do to my hair, masks are essential! I struggle with an oily scalp and dry ends so my biggest concerns are moisture, nourishing and strengthening my strands. Masking 2-3x/month is typical for me, though I have been trying to stick to 1x/week recently and have noticed a major difference in my hair. My favorite hair mask of all time was discontinued and I only have a tiny bit left, so I was on a mission to find ones that could continue its stellar work. I tested out quite a few but these 3 were the stand out favorites.

1. Oribe Signature Moisture Masque - I am a huge fan of Oribe products, and already went through an entire shampoo and conditioner in this Signature Moisture range. This is the mask that I reach for when my hair is at its driest and desperately needs moisture. It's a tad too heavy for my roots, so I concentrate this on the ends and comb through from the base of my scalp down. Only a small amount is needed but I find that it works wonders to makes my ends look fresh and my curls smoother. I can imagine that this will be my best friend come summer when the humidity is in full force and the sun is wreaking havoc on my ends. This does for my hair what many of my favorite hydrating moisturizers do for my face - gives it an instant shot of water. 

2. R+Co. Pre-Shampoo Treatment Mask - I was not quite sure how to use this one when I first saw the name. A pre-shampoo treatment? On dry hair? Hmmmm....But then I saw that it can also be used as a traditional mask on wet hair after shampooing. I tried it both ways and to be honest, I like either one because the results are fantastic! The texture is a fluffy foam that I work into the ends of my hair and then comb through so it gets distributed everywhere. This mask gives me tons and tons of volume and makes my hair bouncy and healthy looking. When paired with this shampoo, the volume is even better. I love it! 

3. Ouai Treatment Masque - I saved the best for last in this post. I absolutely adore this treatment masque. It's a creamy texture much like the Oribe and one packet is enough for my entire head. It instantly detangles,  and then I use a wide tooth comb to make sure it distributes evenly. I concentrate it more on the ends than at the roots, but I don't find that this will weigh my roots down if I use it there. After just one use, my hair looked instantly refreshed. Shiny, healthy and smooth without looking flat. My only complaint is that I wish they had the option to buy it in a tub or tube. I love the packets for travel, but I know I will go through them way too quickly when using regularly.

*pr samples included

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How I Style My Hair + All the Products I Use

I've had a ton of requests for a hair tutorial video so here it is! As well as all the products I use regularly to style my hair. Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe!

Here are the products mentioned:

Sedu Clipless Curling Iron

Ouai Repair Conditioner

Ouai Clean Shampoo

Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Primer

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product

Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Kerastase K Powder Bluff

Elizabeth and James Nirvana White Dry Shampoo

John Frieda Hydrate + Rescue Deep Conditioner

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Beautifying Mist

A Few of My Beauty Essentials This Summer

There are certain beauty products in my collection that are reserved mostly for the summer, and I discover new ones each year that I enjoy. This year I found a few new products that really impressed me for the summer, and one repeat from summers past that has stayed a permanent fixture in my routine.

1. It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product - This may not be an exclusively summer only hair product, but my hair does need all the help it can get in the warmer months. I heard nothing but great feedback from readers about this hair treatment and how it truly transformed their hair. I spray it in my hair when damp after the shower and then comb it through and style as usual. It does almost anything and everything you can imagine from detangling to fighting frizz and helping prevent split ends. I've been using it on my hair for the past month and what a difference it has made! My hair looks healthier, shinier and I swear it has grown more in the past 30 days than it has over the past 6 months. It's a great product for any hair type to add into their routine to help with overall hair health.

2. Kate Somerville 360 Face and Body Tanning Towelettes - These are a repeat from summers past and a self tanning product I really enjoy. It gives a bit darker pay-off than my favorite self tanner of all time, so I have to be a bit more cautious when applying and ensure I have exfoliated to the fullest! I like using them specifically on my legs and arms because it deepens into a gorgeous golden color that looks very natural. *golden for me is probably pale for everyone else, but I felt like a bronze goddess!* I have many friends of all different skin tones that also use these because they help to add a hint of color and also even out skin tone. And they are portable - bonus!

3. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream - I was not sure what the heck this cream was and it sounded a bit silly to be honest. Then I read some rave reviews about it so I had to bring it with me on my recent beach trip. First things first - it smells amazing and is great to use just for the scent! I would use it on my legs and stomach before heading to the beach under my sunscreen and found that it did help to make things look a bit more smooth and firm. In years prior, I have used this cellulite serum and loved it! I found that it is one of the best on the market and did make a significant difference on the appearance of my legs when using every day. Of course when I stopped using, the results disappeared but it was a great addition to my summer skin routine.

Left to right: MD Solar Sciences SPF 50, Sisley Tinted Sunscreen and Maui Bliss Shimmer Moisture Gel

4. Sisley Tinted Sunscreen Cream - Though it is hot and humid in the summer and wearing foundation feels like the last thing I want to do, I still like to have some coverage on my face. Especially when I am at the beach. This tinted sunscreen from Sisley is one of the best formulas I have tried in a long time and was amazed at how much it covers as well as how matte it leaves my skin. I can apply it quickly with my fingers or even with a foundation brush for an actual makeup look. I love that it combines sunscreen and makeup in one! Come wintertime, I think this will unfortunately be too dark for me and I will have to keep it as a summer only product.

5. mark. Maui Bliss Shimmer Moisture Gel - I know there are a ton of shimmer oils and lotions for the body that launch every year and to be honest - none of them ever appeal to me. I have pale skin and most of the shimmer body products look best on those with deeper and more tan skin tones. Plus they can feel like makeup to me and I am always afraid of it getting on my clothes. That all changed when I tried this Shimmer Moisture Gel from .mark. It's a very pale shimmer that works better with my skin, and actually moisturizes my legs in addition to adding a bit of shine. The reflective particles are so subtle and blend nicely into the skin that I didn't find any transfer to my clothing. Plus it smells like a fruity tropical drink which makes it even better to use!

6. MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 - I didn't think I would find anything I loved as much as my holy grail body sunscreen, but I have! This one has a slight tint to it which I enjoy because it doesn't look as pasty as some other body sunscreens, and it feels more like a moisturizer than a typical SPF. That is the one issue I have continuously with SPFs for the body - the texture can feel like a sticky mess and I can't wait to wash it off. However with this formulation from MDSolarSciences, I kept applying it throughout the day and never felt uncomfortable or suffocated by the texture. And not a single inch of my body got burned which even when I am under an umbrella for most of the day still happens to me! I can get burned from just walking around for a few minutes, so it's essential I find a sunscreen to help prevent that for me when at the beach. I have loved this so much that when I arrived back home from the beach, I have been applying it every day to my legs and arms before running errands because the texture feels like a moisturizer but it still gives me the sun protection I need.

*pr samples included

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Hair Products I Have Been Loving Lately

I've said before on my blog that I don't get too excited about hair products so I rarely review them. I style my hair almost the same way every day, so I rarely seek out new things to test or try. However, over the past few months, that has begun to change and I was interested in testing out more and more shampoos, conditioners and styling products. I've rounded up the ones that I enjoyed the most for this post.

1. Ouai Clean Shampoo and Repair Conditioner - To say this new haircare brand is buzzing is an understatement. But I wanted to wait for some of the initial launch hype to die down before trying it, and see what products emerged as the must-haves. Surprisingly, the reviews were positive for the entire range so I went with a shampoo and conditioner for my first test. After only 3 days of using this together, I was already loving my hair. The Clean Shampoo does a fantastic job of really cleaning my hair and removing any buildup without stripping it. And the Repair Conditioner works wonders on my ends! I figured this would be a duo that I would use sporadically to treat my hair, but I find that my hair responds best with using regularly. And the biggest result when using this combo is my hair stays cleaner and holds its style for much longer.

2. Alterna Caviar Volume Shampoo and Conditioner - I have a lot of hair but it is very fine. And with an oily scalp, I need all the volume I can get. I decided to just dive right in with these when first trying them by bringing them on my recent 4 week road trip. I had just received them in the mail and packed them without ever trying and hoped for the best. By the end of my trip, I was in love with both! My hair didn't double in volume (don't I wish) but it was much bouncier and fuller than normal. I didn't struggle with it falling flat on day 2 or 3, and my ends were incredibly soft. I'm now almost 3/4 of the way through each bottle because it consistently keeps my hair looking good.

3. Philip B Forever Shine Shampoo and Light-weight Deep Conditioning Rinse - While the Ouai and Alterna formulas are ones I use on a regular basis, I find that this Philip B Shampoo and Conditioner are the perfect once a week treatments. The Forever Shine Shampoo makes my hair glossy yet not greasy, and the Creme Rinse is amazing at helping me fight frizz. I notice after using both together that my hair looks smoother and doesn't curl up or frizz (as much - I still deal with some UGH).

4. Kerastase Powder Bluff - My disdain for dry shampoos and how much dirtier my hair feels has been voiced on this blog many times over. Leave it to Kerastase to completely change the game for me. This dry shampoo is not only effective at helping my hair remain less oily as the week goes on, but it is the BEST smelling hair item I own in my entire collection of products. BEST. I like to use it in the evening before going to bed because I find my hair wakes up less oily, but because of the amazing scent I have begun using it during the day simply to have my hair smell good. I have had strangers stop and ask me what is on my hair because the scent is so intoxicating. If they made this scent for the body, I would never be without a bottle. (please do this Kerastase! LOL).

*pr samples included

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My Current Hair Care Routine

I am all about variety and change when it comes to my skincare and makeup routine, but I am not as versatile with my hair routine. My hair texture has changed significantly this past year due to some steroid injections I had to have in my neck, so it has been a challenge determining what products would work. I plan to have a hair straightening treatment done in November, so this line-up may change after that, but for now here are the products I use regularly on my hair.

1. Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil Heat Protective Primer - Since I use a lot of heat on my hair, both blowing it out and curling it, I need a heat protectant spray. But the bonus with this is that it also helps to smooth the hair and reduce frizz. It's incredibly lightweight and leaves my hair shiny and healthy looking. I spray it on my hair when it is damp and then style as usual.

2. Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil - For the extra humid days either in the summer, on vacation or when it's raining, I need an extra boost of smoothing for my hair. This Invisible Oil from Bumble and Bumble is truly invisible. Being that I have an oily scalp that can get greasy very easily, I have rarely if ever found a hair oil that works for me. That was until I tried this. I use only one small pump on damp or dry hair to help smooth and minimize frizz, and surprisingly it does not weigh my hair down at all.

3. Christophe Robin Hair Purifying Lotion - I've said before many times that I am not the biggest fan of dry shampoo. I have tried a few here and there, but on the whole it only serves to make my hair feel dirtier and leads to a ton of build-up with my oily scalp. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this finishing lotion, but as soon as I saw that it had vinegar in it, I had a feeling it would work well. I spray it directly onto my scalp and roots on the days I don't wash my hair, and it helps to balance my scalp, make it feel fresh and clean and evaporates almost immediately. An added bonus that I wasn't prepared for was how voluminous it makes my roots and adds a nice bit of "oomph" to my second (and sometimes third and fourth) day hair.

4. Nuance by Salma Hayek Nourishing Hair Mask - Though my scalp is oily, my ends are dry, dry, dry! This is most likely due to the amount of heat styling that it goes through, so a deep conditioning mask is a must. Many deep conditioning masks however, can be a nightmare for those with oily hair. It can leave the hair limp and greasy (I know this from tons of experience) and make it almost impossible to get a decent blowout because the strands are too slick. After just one use of this Nourishing Hair Mask, I could see a difference. My hair looks nourished, soft yet still bouncy. I typically only focus on the ends when applying, but can get away with using over my entire hair without weighing my hair down.

6. Oribe Signature Shampoo (bottom swatch above) - Though I only wash my hair 2-3x/wk, I need a shampoo that is consistently good and removes any build-up while still leaving my hair clean and soft. This Oribe Signature Shampoo gives a good lather but not too much where it dries out my scalp. I get out of the shower and my hair always feel fresh and weightless though the strands look smooth and shiny. The only challenge is that my hair can get a bit tangled when using it, so I always need to use a conditioner after.

7. Oribe Signature Conditioner (top swatch above) - Since I use a deep conditioner once a week, I need my regular conditioner to provide just enough moisture without weighing my hair down. This Signature Conditioner helps to detangle my hair, condition it, yet it never leaves my scalp greasy or unbalanced. I struggled with a flaky scalp for the past year and this shampoo and conditioner duo has really helped to reduce that significantly. My scalp is more balanced and my hair looks healthier.

*pr samples included

New In And Loving: Beautyblender, Living Proof, Bumble and Bumble and Sisley

Alert the press and ring the alarm - today's post features hair products! *applause break* I know, I know, I very rarely if ever review hair products because there are not many that move me enough to blog about. However, I was finally moved enough to share my thoughts with you and figured I would throw in a few other items I have been loving (and eating!) to round out this post. 

1. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo and Conditioner - If we are being perfectly honest, I have never been extremely loyal to a shampoo or conditioner. I tend to just buy whatever and rarely see a major difference in my hair. Then about a year ago, I developed a really bad case of dry/flaky scalp. It's been awful and I could not seem to get a hold on it. I tried homeopathic remedies, T-gel shampoo and other treatments, but it never went away. Fast forward to the present day - I've been using the Living Proof system for a few months and the flakiness has reduced significantly. The only challenge I have with this hair regimen is that it doesn't do a great job at detangling. It's something I can live with, but I really have to be gentle with how I apply it because my hair can get knotted quickly in the shower. But the end results are so worth it. My hair is healthier and shinier than it has been in a long time. 

2. Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Protective Primer - I am going to say something that may shock you, but I promise you will get over it. I rarely if ever use daily styling products in my hair. *cue shock and awe* Are you still with me? Have I lost you? I know, it's alarming but I just hate the way anything feels in my hair. I have thick but fine hair that is extremely oily so even the slightest amount of product will weigh it down and make it look piece-y and dirty. I received this Bumble and Bumble Oil Primer sample in a Nordstrom order and for whatever reason decided to try it (and I RARELY try hair products). I fell in love immediately. I spray it on while my hair is still damp and then finish with my blow dry. After using it now for a few weeks, my hair is soft, shiny and much smoother. I still suffer from frizz, but this cuts down on it drastically. I have already purchased a full size and it's on it's way to me as we speak. *flips hair*

3. Beautyblender - I know I'm super late to the Beautyblender party but I've finally arrived. I have been using this sponge non-stop to apply my makeup and simply adore it. It does tend to give any foundation I use with it a more dewy finish so a setting powder is necessary for me. Other than that, I find it gives a flawless application each and every time. And while I have tried a few of the other Beautyblender sponges, in my opinion the pink performs the best.

4. Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask - A true cult classic, Sisley's Black Rose Cream Mask is as good as everyone says. It's incredibly nourishing and hydrating and my skin always looks stunning after using. My interest in this mask was piqued after falling in love with Sisley's Black Rose Face Oil, and I am happy to find the results of the mask just as noteworthy as the oil. For those looking for a decadent, hydrating and super rich mask to splurge on, I can't recommend this one enough. It's truly worth the money.

5. Fatty Sundays Chocolate Covered Pretzels - No this is not a beauty product, but since this post is about things I am loving recently, I had to include these pretzel sticks. I discovered them during a recent trip to the Union Square farmer's market, and while I have tried a million chocolate covered pretzels before, the quality of these are simply superb. The pretzel is not flaky and the chocolate is so smooth that when you bite into the stick, surprisingly everything manages to stay together and not fall apart in your hands. They have a ton of different sprinkle and flavor combinations and in addition to being delicious, they are adorable to look at! Who doesn't want to receive a brightly colored box of chocolate covered pretzels? It's like the new bouquet of flowers, yes?

*pr samples included

A Bit Obsessed: March 2014 Beauty Favorites

Always my favorite posts to read on other blogs, monthly beauty favorites are equally as fun to talk about on my little space on the internet.  This past month was a smorgasbord of skincare, hair and makeup products that rocked my beauty loving world.  I'm sure you have seem me post about some of these already on my Instagram, but here is a more in depth look at my experience with March's beauty favorites:

1. Dolce & Gabbana Rosebud Blush - Darn camera and it's settings, it dulls this blush a bit, thus robbing you of experiencing the vibrant color explosion that is Rosebud blush.  The phase "pop of color" should have been coined from this blush. A bright coral that even on my paler than pale skin looks beautiful and natural.  I wore it all through the winter, so don't expect me to put it away now that the warmer weather is coming.  Heck, I may just throw it in another future monthly faves just so you don't forget about it.

2. Sachajuan Hair Repair - I have been on a hair product roll recently.  I am not that excited about hair products to be honest, so I rarely write about them.  But when I find good ones, they are good. And then I feel I am cheating all of you by not sharing the news.  So after this recent post, I have again found a hair product I love.  I use this Sachajuan Hair Repair once a week on my ends, and while "like butta" is better used with skincare references, "like silk" seems more fitting to describe my hair after a go at this.  Pantene commercial girls have nothing on me.

3. Murad Perfecting Night Cream (c/o) - Day by day, minute by minute, I am becoming a Murad fangirl (this spf cream has recently reached holy grail status for me).  Each and every product I try keeps luring me in further and further, and this Perfecting Night Cream is no exception.  Designed to help restore moisture and hydrate the skin, my oily skin (which needs moisture too don't forget) just eats this stuff up! A little goes a long way for me with this, but the next morning's glow is proof that it's just enough.

4. Fresh Seaberry Restorative Body Cream - Winter skin aka alligator skin (for me at least) is not pleasant, and though my face may be super oily, my body can be quite dry.  Put a cape on this body cream, because it has been saving my skin.  Intensely rich and hydrating with tons of omega 3, 6, 7 and 9, seaberry oil and vitamin E, it helps to nourish my skin immediately but still allows me to get dressed without the (often) required dry-down, 15 minute waiting period.  Oh, and it smells divine.

5. By Terry Cover Expert - Hey flawless skin, how you doin?  Only a smidge is needed, but this foundation is absolutely beautiful.  A little more coverage then the Sheer Expert, this gives me a gorgeous naturally radiant (but not shiny) complexion.  Spring is not ready for the amazing face I am going to serve it with this number.  Get ready.

6. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser (c/o) - Hey, First Aid Beauty - how do you manage to knock it out of the park with every product?  First I began with loving this mask (and review on it here), then I nicknamed their Ultra Repair Cream a "wonder cream" because it is that good (review here), and now this Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser has knocked my socks off.  Sometimes when treating my acne prone skin, I don't always want to use an acid based cleanser.  And other gel cleansers just make my skin too dry, which is why I fell in love with this one from First Aid Beauty.  No acids, not drying, and great at helping me keep my blemishes at bay.  It's a triple threat.

7. Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder - In all honesty, this product was a total dud when I first bought it.  Too shiny, hard to detect on the skin - all around fail.  And then I began using the Murad Mattifying SPF cream which changed how all other products sat on my skin.  So I gave this a go again, and voila! It was stunning.  After I apply my foundation, I dust it along my cheeks and forehead and it helps to immediately illuminate and finish my makeup, giving the skin an airbrushed appearance.  Already predicting a pan hitting moment in the future with this powder. 

8. Mario Badescu Special Mask for Oily Skin (c/o) - When is a Mario Badescu product not making it into my monthly favorites.  The whole brand has redefined the way I treat my acne prone skin, and this mask is now part of a long list of products (for more recommendations, read this post) that are great at helping me fight the war against pimples.  Decongesting pores, cleaning out dirt and grime, controlling oil, this mask does it all. 

9. Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Raven - All hail Hourglass.  If there is a knighting ceremony for a beauty brand, I would like to recommend Hourglass.  Every darn product is just amazing.  I talk about them way too much on this blog, but I can't help it.  They never disappoint. I already have a natural shade in this lipstick formulation and swear by it, so why did it take me so long to buy another? WHO KNOWS??  But I have rectified that problem and bought Raven, the most stunning vibrant red-orange shade.  No this color is not for the faint of heart so be prepared, but it's a knockout.  *wolf whistle*

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My Hair Products Of The Moment

Skincare is my jam.  Makeup is my jam.  Hair products - meh. I never get too excited about hair products probably because I don't do too much with my hair other than blow it out.  Now mind you, I do a fierce blow out but that's because I have finally learned how to deal with my naturally curly hair after all these years.  Since I have such a minimal hair routine, I want products that work well with my oily scalp yet still give me that squeaky clean hair feel that I love.  After a few months of using each, these three products have all but eradicated every other product in my shower currently.  I still throw in a daily shampoo/conditioner here and there, but since I only wash my hair 3-4x/wk, these are taking up most of my hair washing time.  

1. Neutrogena Shampoo Anti-Residue Formula - This is actually the one product that is not new to my regimen and has been a staple for years, however I had forgotten about it and only rediscovered it 2 months ago.  I was perusing the aisles looking to satiate my beauty fix (I love a good drugstore raid), and there is was sitting there like a long lost friend.  This shampoo takes squeaky clean to a whole new level - and my hair always looks it shiniest and freshest after a dose of this once a week.

2. John Frieda Full Repair Hydrate + Rescue Deep Conditioner - The problem with hair masques is that they ALWAYS weigh my hair down, making it feel heavy and limp.  I always try them with such high hopes, only to have it shattered post blow dry when I am forced to put my hair into a pony tail.  This was the exact opposite.  My hair felt soft, nourished, hydrated and super duper bouncy - exactly the way I want it to feel and look.  Again used once a week just on the ends is all I need for optimal results.

3. Julien Farel Anti-Aging Haircare Vitamin Restore (c/o) - Scalp treatments are a whole new world to me as I have always just focused on the hair itself, but I have to say it makes perfect sense.  I have seen so many come out over the past few years, and what is more essential than ensuring a healthy scalp to have healthy hair? Duh.  This is my first scalp treatment I have tried and it's made me feel like I have been missing out all this time.  It is a tad more unique than other products I have used because it is applied to dry hair along the hair line, smoothing the product through the hair and then emulsifying with water.  (Here is a great tutorial video on how to apply) Designed to regenerate and revitalize the hair, I use it once/wk in place of any shampoo and conditioner and have found my hair to be stronger with less breakage with an overall healthier look.

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