Hello, everyone! What a break it has been. I am making a comeback, rejuvenated refreshed and ready to create content after becoming a licensed esthetician! It has been a long journey and an evolution, to be a bit dramatic, but I'm proud to have made it back here here. This post took me an entire week from start to finish as I'm rusty beyond belief.
It feels a bit unfamiliar since this is my first foray into blogging in over a year, and I'm learning everything all over again with a new camera among other aspects, so I decided to start with what is essentially a list of the products I've loved this year and am continuing to use into the Fall season.
Grab that cup of coffee or tea and let's get started!
I've waited many years to compile this Holy Grail Hair Care + Styling Products lineup because I was always waiting for the next best thing to sweep me off my feet. Now that my hair has endured so many different types of chemical treatments and colors, I am ready to share what hair care is actually worth the money!
Let me start by telling you that I have a very laid-back approach to my hair. When I buy expensive hair care, I expect it to keep my locks looking as healthy and as vibrant as possible. I stick to these tried but true products because they work. I have used atelier salon brands Kerastase and Shu Uemura the longest — nearly 6 years — all throughout various stages of virgin hair, dyed jet black hair, blonde ombre hair, and red ombre hair. I have loved and recommended every variation of the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo, and I absolutely adore the Kerastase Cristalliste for those with dark dyed or natural, untreated hair! Other noteworthy products from Kerastase are Initialiste (if you suffer from dry scalp) and Reflection Masque Chroma Riche (a hydrating and soothing mask for colored hair).
My latest obsession for hair care has been Moroccanoil due to its more affordable pricing and phenomenal quality, but if you can splurge, I urge you to try Philip B. The White Truffle Conditioning Creme tames my hair in ways that no other conditioners from even Shu Uemura, Kerastase and Moroccanoil can. My hair feels soft yet bouncy and responds better to styling. Luxury hair care brands like Oribe make wonderful products as well. If you'd like to try something more luxurious than the Kiehl's Damage Repair Treatment, definitely look into the Oribe Split End Seal! I am still in the process of testing it, which is why it did not make it into the video below. I will release my final verdict in a few weeks. My sister is a huge fan of Oribe's Gold Lust Hair Oil and the famed Thick Dry Texturizing Spray, so we highly recommend you try them!
Last but not least, I wanted to mention that you will hear me consistently mention fragrance in the video review. I might have a very dull nose, but I love pleasantly scented hair care. It makes me feel confident and radiates a more polished aura. I hope you'll enjoy the review and give some of my favorites a try!
November has been a hectic month! I was fortunate enough to travel to Beijing during one of its most beautiful weeks of the year, and I truly had a wonderful time being immersed in so many new beauty products and upcoming trends. I had planned to share vlog footage here in this episode, but unfortunately, there were too many products to cover! You might see some unexpected products on the roster below, so watch the video to find out what's new! And for those anxious to get planning, I will be rounding up the best of Black Friday + Cyber Monday promotions and sharing them here on the blog tomorrow. Stay tuned! xo
I feel as though I say this constantly, but I cannot believe another four weeks has flown by. It is true what they say — that your early twenties seem to drag on, but that your mid-twenties will pass in the blink of an eye. I wish I could stop time to enjoy the little things! Still, August was a great month dedicated to growth and change and finally, some weight loss! My first juice cleanse was one of the most eye-opening experiences, but I have been doing my best to eat healthier overall, despite my hectic schedule and late night cravings. Though I'm struggling with some hormonal blemishes this week, I feel completely like myself again! I hope you'll enjoy this month's selection of Hits & Misses, as there are some very highly requested product reviews and updates here. Thanks always for stopping by and hope you have a wonderful start to the Fall season! xo
The month of May has flown by! I cannot believe how many products I have discovered through friends and traveling, so I will share some of my new foundation finds with you. Please note, I will compile a comparison review of my cushions as soon as I receive the new Laneige Pore Control version, which just launched (and is only available) in Asia. Many thanks again to my friend Leanne for coming to the rescue! I also have several products I have been using for months now — such as my beloved Mason Pearson brush and 3LAB 'Super h' Serum — that I am glad to finally announce are absolutely worth the indulgence. If you have any further questions regarding the products I reviewed in the video below, please feel free to ask them in the comments section!
A preview snapshot of some of the Favorites posted on my Instagram!
This is the fastest, easiest way to achieve long lasting curls! I love that the Sedu Revolution Clipless Curling Iron ($119 USD) is lightweight and heats up in seconds. I can brush out my curls for a more retro look or simply run my fingers through them for a more spiral effect. The 25mm barrel is best for medium to long hair, but since my hair is extra long these days, I am very curious to see what results I can achieve with the 38mm version. Whichever size you choose, this curling wand is a great investment, and now I cannot ever imagine using a traditional curling iron ever again! The coated barrel leaves my hair feeling silky, and there is noticeably less damage to the lengths of my hair than with other curling iron tools. Yes, there may be more affordable options out there, but it's better to splurge for quality. I hope you find the tutorial helpful!
Today I will share with you my hair care and hair styling products on regular rotation. I do switch pairings depending on my activities, but I highly recommend all but the last product listed below. Though I love the Kerastase Cristalliste range, I think I will explore more of the Résistance to strengthen the lengths of my hair! The scent on the Cristalliste is more feminine, but I love the fresh, lemon-infused zing of the Résistance Ciment Thermique fragrance. This breakdown may have been a bit overwhelming for some, but when I reach for the products in my bathroom, it feels easy. Just found out the routine that works best for you and your hair.. best of luck!
Bumble and Bumble Creme de Coco Conditioner [I do NOT recommend this. It sits on top of the hair, dense but not nourishing. And yes, the pump on mine is broken so it leaks badly.]
Makeup Worn:
Chanel Double Perfection Powder Foundation in 30
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in 1 Natural
Hourglass Arch Brow Pencil in Soft Brunette
Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes in E103 Black
NARS And God Created the Woman Eyeshadow Palette [Pink-peach for highlight w/matte brown for crease]
Hourglass Film Noir Mascara with Red Cherry 217 Lashes
Tom Ford Cheek Color Blush in Flush
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Pygmalion and Sara Happ Lip Slip Gloss
Nails:
Zoya Summer, topped with Butter London Tart as a Heart glitter [left hand only]
Shirt:
7 For All Mankind [old]
