Holy Grail | My Must-Have Hair Care + Hair Styling Products

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! 

Products Reviewed:

Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask

Philip B White Truffle Conditioning Creme

Shu Uemura Color Lustre Shampoo

Shu Uemura Color Lustre Thermo-Milk

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo for Dry Scalp

Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo

Kerastase Ciment Thermique Blow-dry Primer

Kiehl's Damage Repairing Leave-in Treatment

R+Co Dallas Thickening Spray
R+Co Conformist Hair Paste
Bed Head Hard Head Hairspray

Amika Touchable Hairspray

Oribe Apres Beach Spray

Moroccanoil Luminous Medium Hairspray

Mason Pearson Handy Mix Brush

Tangle Teezer Original Styler Pink Brush

Macademia Professional Nourishing Shampoo

Macademia Professional Nourishing Conditioner

Makeup Worn:

Charlotte Tilbury Foundation in 3

YSL Touche Eclat in 2

Burberry Powder in Nude Ochre

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronzer

Clé de Peau Highlighter in Delicate Pink

Burberry Eyebrow Pencil in Ash

Chantecaille Liquid Pen Eyeliner

em Michelle Phan Lengthening Mascara

MAC x Nordstrom Naturals Eyeshadow Palette

Tom Ford Matte Lip Color in Pussycat

MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus Lipglass

Shirt:

J.Crew Crinkle Plaid

Nails:

Tom Ford Toasted Sugar

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TUTORIAL | Blake Lively "The Age of Adaline" Inspired Hair + My Hair Color

Blake Lively in "The Age of Adaline" in what is now confirmed as a red velvet dress (not black)

With fabulous hair comes great confidence. That is something I've realized only in the last couple years, but as time trickles by, I have seen how hair completes an outfit just as much as shoes do. Despite my luxe beauty life, I always strive to live as low maintenance as possible. Life is complicated, so why make it harder? That's why hair has always escaped me. I felt like it was a chore, but I've changed my lazy, reluctant ways because performance tools like the T3 Micro Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand make it so easy to create beautiful hair! I have tried at least four other clipless curling iron sets, and while most of them have been very good, only T3's aesthetic truly impresses me. The build quality is unsurpassable, and the subtle rose gold details make the Whirl Trio so unique. The top of each barrel manages to stay cool while styling, and you won't have to struggle or fight with the wand to switch out the barrels! This is positively one of T3's best hair tools.

P.S. My hair color is by Guy Tang, and it's actually nearly 4 months old! It's a mixture of many different reds and violets that we have layered over the last year. 14 weeks ago, Guy gave me a deep dark purple, which has gently faded to this bright orchid red. We did lighten my hair before adding on the demi-permanent colors and glazes, but the vibrancy is ultra intense due to minimal washing and my phenomenal lineup of hair care. I will be sharing the all the products I use in my next video, so stay tuned! 

Hair Tools:

T3 Micro Whirl Trio Styling Wand

Also available at Nordstrom

Also used: T3 Micro Paddle Brush

Makeup Worn:

Charlotte Tilbury Foundation in 3

Charlotte Tilbury Powder in 2

Burberry Eyebrow Pencil in Ash

Burberry Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner

Burberry Eyeshadows in Gold Pearl + Nude

Hourglass Ambient Bronzer in Luminous

Clé de Peau Highlighter in Delicate Pink

Dior Rouge Brilliant Gloss in Miss

Velour Lashes Strike A Pose

Get 15% off with code RAEVELOUR

Nails

Tom Ford Toasted Sugar

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May 2014 Favorites [Hits & Misses] feat. Kerastase, 3LAB, Sulwhasoo, Urban Decay + more!

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!

Products Reviewed:

Kerastase Spray À Porter Tousled Effect Spray

Kerastase Lift Vertige Root Uplifting Gel

Mason Pearson Popular Nylon & Boar Bristle Brush [for Long, Normal to Coarse hair]

LAmade Double V-Neck Slouchy Tee in XS

Keepsake Sleepwalker Peplum Top in XS

Laneige 5-in-1 BB Cushion in Light

3LAB Aqua BB in 2 Medium

Sulwhasoo Evenfair Perfecting Cushion Foundation in 25

Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation in 113 [Favorite new HD Foundation]

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige

3LAB 'Super h' Serum Age-Defying Serum

Sulwhasoo Snowise Exfoliating Gel

Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

Urban Decay NAKED Flushed Cheek Palette in Native [Tutorial HERE]

Kiss Me Heroine Make Eyelash Fixer [Glue]

Makeup Worn:

SK-II Stempower Cream Foundation in 420

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige

Chanel Vitalumiere Powder in 20

Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in 02 Terra

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 and Holder

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Silk Eyeshadow in 9

Kevyn Aucoin The Eyeshadow Duo in #207

By Terry Ligne Blackstar Eyeliner in Black

Guerlain Maxi Lash Waterproof Mascara in Black

NARS Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Via Veneto

Giorgio Armani Cheek Fabric Blush in 507

Bourjois Lip Velvet in 05 Ole Flamingo

YSL Gloss Volupte in 206 Fuchsia Oran

Velour Lashes in Oops, Naughty Me

*Use promo code RAEVELOUR to receive 15% OFF

Tee:

LAmade Double V-Neck Slouchy Tee in XS

Nails:

Dior Gel in Wonderland

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September 2013 Favorites [Hits & Misses] for Skin Care, Face & Body

The month of September was beauty overload, even for me! I did my best to make the video as short as possible by cutting out a few products, but there was still so much to share. Also, I received quite a few questions over the last several weeks regarding specific products (most of which are featured here in this episode). I tried to answer all of the inquiries and touch on the newest Lancôme products as well as the difference between the bareMinerals foundation powders. I have tried a wider array of brands than usual, including products like organic makeup, and even went so far as to try whitening my teeth.. it was a full, fun month to say the least! I hope you find the video helpful xo

PRODUCTS REVIEWED:
Swank and Haight Army Pleated Racerback in S
Swank and Haight Black Romi Draped Skirt in S
DailyLook Tribal High Low Top in Ivory in S
Black Chinese Laundry Jackpot Heels in Size 6
Forever 21 Cozy Marled Cardigan in S
YSL Youth Liberator Serum Foundation in B30
Sigma F88 Flat Top Angled Kabuki Brush
Lancome Teint Visionnaire Foundation in 250W
Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation in 213
Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Illuminator in IL01
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eyes in Neutral/Medium
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness
Giorgio Armani Rouge Ecstasy CC Lipsticks in 302 & 100
Giorgio Armani Flash Lacquer in 300
Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Party Starter
em michelle phan Creamy Color Classic Lipsticks
bareMinerals READY Foundation in Golden Medium
bareMinerals MATTE Loose Foundation in Golden Medium
Mynk Lashes in Lashletto, Amp It Up, & Winks and Kisses
     *Use discount code MYNK10 for 10% OFF your purchase!
Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in Terra
Tom Ford Bronzer Brush
Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength
Lancome DreamTone Skintone Correcting Serum [preview post here]
Whitening Lightning Dial-A-Smile Teeth Whitening Kit 
     *Use discount code RVRKIT to get the kit for only $69! [Retails for $478]
Whitening Lighting Super Booster Teeth Whitening Pen
     *Use discount code RVR70 for 70% OFF your order!
Mason Pearson Handy Mix Brush
GHD Professional Styler 2"

MAKEUP WORN:
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness
YSL Youth Liberator Serum Foundation in B30
Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk Compact Foundation in 5
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eyes in Neutral/Medium
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil Cartridge 204 [holder not included]
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder in 30
Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in 02 Terra
em michelle phan Seoul Sweets Eyeshadow Palette
Mynk Lashes in Winks and Kisses
Juice Beauty Lash Defining Mascara in Black
Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Party Starter

Hair:
GHD Professional Styler 2 inch

TANK:
Swank and Haight Army Pleated Racerback

NAILS:
Chanel Le Vernis in Frisson

Hair: Easy, Retro Romantic Curls Tutorial + Sedu Revolution Clipless Curling Iron Review

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!

Products Used:
Mason Pearson Handy Mix Brush
Sedu Revolution Clipless Curling Iron 25 mm
Kerastase Cristalliste Cristal Sculpt Serum

Makeup Worn:
YSL Youth Liberator Serum Foundation in B30
em Michelle Phan Love Me for Me Powder Compact in Linen
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder in 30
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 *You must purchase the Pencil Holder separately
Marc Jacobs Precision Pen Eyeliner in Black
em Michelle Phan Waterliner in Black Night
Tom Ford In the Pink Ombré Eye Color Palette [swatches HERE]
em Michelle Phan Day Life Palette Lotsa Latte & Espresso Eyeshadows [swatches HERE]
Bare Minerals Moxie Lipgloss in Party Starter
Red Cherry False Lashes in Style 47

Nails:
Tom Ford Show Me The Pink [swatches HERE]

Tank:
DailyLook Braided Racerback

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