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!
Fall is every beauty girl's favorite season, so I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight the latest and greatest! Some of this top ten is new for Fall 2015, while others are cult classics. Check out the details and swatches after the jump xo
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!
1) HAIR: For perfectly tousled beach hair, try the Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray! I like to spritz this into the lengths of my hair and tease the roots for an effortlessly sultry look. Since the spray adds so much texture and body, you can also throw your hair into a big bun or French Twist if you want it off your shoulders!
2) BODY: To protect your body from sunburns, try the Clarins Sunscreen Care Oil Spray SPF 30! It can also be sprayed onto your hair to protect your color and your scalp from dryness. I love that it dries down quickly while adding a gorgeous glow to the limbs.
3) SELF-TANNER: For the most even and long-lasting tan possible, try the St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse! Despite dabbling with other brands, I still think St. Tropez is the best. There is also a Self Tan Dark version for those who like to look extra tan!
4) SUNSCREEN: To protect yourself from wrinkles as well as unsightly dark spots, always use sunscreen! I highly recommend the Sulwhasoo Age Veil UV Protection Cream SPF 30 for every day use or the Sulwhasoo Snowise Brightening Serum BB with SPF 50 for those who prefer a tinted product that can also be used as a primer/base. I absolutely love both of them, and sometimes, I'll even use the Age Veil under the Serum BB!
5) POWDER: To prevent overly shiny T-Zones this summer, use powders with sunscreen protection to set your base makeup and touch up your skin throughout the day! I recommend the Shisiedo UV Protection Powder SPF 36 for those who like a little extra coverage (ideal for oily to combination skin) and the Chantecaille Protection Naturale SPF 46 for those who prefer sheer, undetectable loose powders (ideal for dry to combination skin).
6) NEON NAIL POLISH: Bright nails are always an easy way to brighten up your summer! Try the new Dior Vernis Gel Shine formula since it is so glossy and long-wearing. I have been wearing Wonderland, a deep pink, for a couple weeks. For a true neon shade, however, I recommend Essie's Funky Limelight with a white base to help the color pop. OCC's Radiate is another good neon pick!
7) BRONZER: To balance out self-tanner on the body and also give the face some color, try the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder! Use it to set your sunscreen and/or base makeup, and dust an extra layer on your jawline, cheekbones, and hair line for a truly sun-kissed look!
8) MASCARA: A little mascara will go a long way in opening up your eyes and adding a bit of polish to your casual beach attire! Use a waterproof formula, like Guerlain's Maxi Lash WP to give your lashes the perfect, most enviable fringe. It holds curl, separates, and adds volume!
9) LIP BALM: The heat of the summer sun can cause lips to peel. Try By Terry's Baume de Rose for hydrated, plump lips with a hint of pretty pale pink color! It also has SPF 15 for added protection whether your are poolside or at the beach.
10) DEODORANT: This one is a no-brainer, but deodorant is especially important in the summer! My favorite is the Kiehl's Superbly Efficient Anti-Perspirant and Deodorant Cream. It does not interfere with your perfume, and it has a formula that softens underarm hair, which results in a smoother shave!
The beauty of everyday makeup is that it can be casual while pretty. It is all about creating as flawless a canvas as possible and enhancing the features with hints of color. We may all have different ideas regarding what is natural, but this is definitely a chic everyday look in my book. The hair is a deconsructed look which is not a style I generally gravitate toward, but I have been branching out and trying new techniques with my hair. This ponytail is low maintenance and quick to achieve, so I figured I would share my styling tips. I hope you enjoy seeing the lovely Kevyn Aucoin, By Terry, Lipstick Queen, and Oribe products in action, as I am really attached to these brands nowadays!
P.S. Shop at http://www.us.spacenk.com and receive $20 OFF when you spend $75 or more using the promo code RAE14! It's the perfect time to treat yourself or stock up on gifts for the holidays! This offer ends 11:59 PM EST on October 15th, 2013.
