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

___________________________________________________________________________

My Signature Hair Styles | Effortless Loose Waves and Wrapped Bun TUTORIAL

For the past six months, I have been flooded with tutorial requests for what I like to consider my two 'signature' hair styles. I tend to wear my hair down in soft waves or up in a fluffy bun, so this how-to video will show you how to achieve both looks! I love effortless, easy hair styling so I hope you will find these quick and simple demonstrations helpful. Practice makes perfect, but a good set of products will boost your confidence as well as elevate your styling. Don't forget to gently tame flyaways with hair spray and always go for the lift... bigger is always better at the crown! Good luck xo

PRODUCTS USED:

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist

Aussie Awesome Volume Styling Mousse

Aussie Mega Hairspray: Finish in Flexible Hold

Mason Pearson Handy Mix Hair Brush

Amika 4P Interchangeable Barrel Curler (1.25 inch)

Goody Bobby Pins (firm hold for securing base of bun)

Goody Bobby Pins (regular hold for tucking hair under bun)

XL Mesh Donut from Sally's Beauty Supply

MAKEUP WORN:

Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation in 113

Koh Gen Do Triple Lighting Powders in OC-1 and OC-2

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 and Holder

Cle de Peau Highlighter in Delicate Pink

Tom Ford Bronzer in Terra

Lancome Grandiose Mascara in Black

Lancôme Eyeshadow Palette in Bronze Amour

EM Michelle Phan Scribble Eyeliner in Navy Script

Shu Uemura Pencils in P Black 01 & G Gold 93

Giorgio Armani Lip Gloss in 519

Ivory Lashes [Use promo code RAE0714 to get 15% OFF! Expires Aug 31, '14]

___________________________________________________________________________

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Aussie through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select.

While I was compensated to write a post about Aussie, all opinions are my own.

Bronze Diva Summer Giveaway! Feat. Clarins, Tarte, Amika

To celebrate the arrival of summer, I wanted to host a giveaway for all my readers who love to tan! Please wear sunscreen and protect your skin whenever possible. To promote the message of safe and healthy tanning, I wanted to share 3 of my favorite self-tanning products for the face!

I highly recommend the Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster ($30 USD), which is a unique made-to-measure self tanning product for the face that is meant to be mixed into your daily and/or evening moisturizer. The Glow Booster makes radiant, sun-kissed skin so easy to achieve! The Tarte Maracuja Bronzing Serum ($47 USD) is a skin care product that creates a gradual tan. You can spread this multitasking elixir on both face and neck, and it will also help the first signs of aging for a brighter and smoother complexion. The convenient Tarte Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self Tanning Face Towelettes ($21 USD) are a diva's must-have this season. Throw these into your beach bag or pack them into a carry-on for your upcoming summer vacation. These towelettes are perfect for those who do not have time for a gradual treatment and need some color immediately!
These 3 amazing self tan goodies will allow you to maintain a gorgeous, sexy tan that looks totally natural without incurring any sun damage. Furthermore, you'll be able to avoid that awkward bobblehead look with a super tan body and pale face!

To complete this 'Bronze Diva' summer giveaway, I wanted to include the Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo and Undone Texture Spray. These two lovely purse-sized products are ideal for touch ups to your tousled goddess hair while on the go, and the best part is that they smell amazing! Last but not least, always remember to pack a travel-sized makeup remover when going away on holiday, like the Shu Uemura Fresh Cleansing Oil included here in the Bronze Diva Summer Giveaway!

This contest will end on Monday, June 30th, 2014 at 11:59 AM PST. I will announce the winner here and on Twitter! Please make sure to keep an eye out and claim your prize if you are the winner. Best of luck xo

THE WINNER IS Emmy P. Congratulations and thanks to all those who entered! xo

a Rafflecopter giveaway

___________________________________________________________________________

HAIR: Easy Holiday Updo Tutorial + Amika Giveaway [5 Winners!]

I am so excited to share this hairstyle with you! It is very difficult for me to film hair tutorials, but now that my hair is 5 inches shorter, it is more fun to style and experiment. This updo is straightforward yet easy to make your own, so I hope you will give it a try! I like to tread the line between sleek and tousled, but this big wavy bun is perfect for any Holiday occasion regardless of your preference. And starting today (November 27) through Cyber Monday, take 25% OFF all tools + free US Shipping on www.loveamika.com and score free travel sized styling products with your order! Promo Code: HolidayHair 

I recommend:
--Amika Deep Purple 25-18mm Barrel Curler
--Amika Heat Defense Serum
--Amika Touchable Hairspray
--Amika Power Cloud Repair + Smooth Hair Dryer

Tools Used in Tutorial:
--Amika Black 4P Interchangeable Barrel Curler feat. 18-25mm wand (Sephora Exclusive)
--Conair Bobby Pins - Black

Makeup Worn:

Givenchy Teint Couture Foundation in 5 Elegant Honey 

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Cream 

Koh Gen Do Triple Lighting Powder in OC-1 

IT Cosmetics Vitality Face Disc (Bronzer, Blush, Highlighter) 

By Terry Touche Veloutee in Cream 

EM Michelle Phan Concealer Mixing Palette in Light 

EM Michelle Phan Arched Eyebrow Pencil in Black

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in Pale Barley
Eyeko Liquid Metal Eyeliner in Black Onyx

Lancome Hypnose Waterproof Mascara

Shu Uemura False Lashes in Soft Cross

Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope Lipstick in Star System

Jouer Lip Gloss in Bare Rose

Sweater:

Wildfox Baggy Beach Jumper

Nails:

Guerlain 260 Jardins de Bagatelle

Enter the Giveaway HERE! 5 WINNERS, each set of prizes retails for $304 USD

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

In case you missed it, don't forget to check out my tips on fitness trends to help burn the calorie away!
Click here to watch.
___________________________________________________________________________