Category: hair

Empties: all the things!

I felt like I had recently done an “empties” post—until I opened my bag of used up products and was shocked by what was in there! So. Much. Stuff!!

So I’ve got lots to review and I don’t want this post to be as long as it could be—so I’ll try to keep it brief—try.

L’Oreal Visible Lift Radiance Booster: This actually wasn’t empty, just expired. I liked it fine, but it’s not my favorite, so I really didn’t reach for it that often.

SheaMoisture,100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Body Wash: This was my summer JAM in the shower. If you love coconut–get this. So moisturizing and smells divine.

Wet N Wild, MegaCushion Foundation SPF 15, Cream Ivory: This is now my every day foundation. I love it. I have repurchased.

Tarte Cosmetics, colored clay CC primer, light: RIP former favorite every day foundation. All that’s left are options for darker skin tones, so no repurchasing for me.

Skyn Iceland, Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels: I really love these patches. They are a little more expensive but very good. I try to get them when there’s a sale.

Earth Therapeutics, Hydrogel Under-Eye Recovery Patch, in Rose and Green Tea: A cheaper option and still get the job done. No difference between the two so whatever you’d prefer is fine.

Urban Decay Cosmetics, Aphrodisiac 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, Zero: This was pretty old and dried out. I like other UD pencils better, so I wouldn’t get this particular one.

Anastasia Beverly Hills, Lip Primer: I bought replacements for this during the Ulta 2-for-1 lip sale. At a reduced price, I love this one!

Clary Bath + Body Oil: This was a gift from Pamela and I loved it! I ended up finding the same product, just a different version at a little store in Arkansas and grabbed it.

Sunday Riley, Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment: Ah, this was ok. But I’m using Drunk Elephant’s nighttime serum and I’m totally hooked on that, so I’m done with this one.

Batiste, Hint of Color Travel Size Dry Shampoo: I still struggle with dry shampoos. I got this to use in between color appointments. It reminds me to get in!

Suddz, AquaFix® Hydrating Conditioner: And when I’m at Co Leigh Co Salon–I always make sure I’m good with my conditioner. Legit the only thing I’ll use.

Algenist, Concentrated Reconstructing Serum: It took me forever to get through this–but it was pricey–so I did. That says it all.

American Provenance, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades Deodorant; Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Clove: My favorite. Repurchased.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II: People are crazy for this and the reviews are so good. I totally don’t get it. I also think it’s been rebranded.

Milk Makeup, Matcha Toner: I really like this, as you already know.

Sephora Collection, LashCraft Length & Volume Mascara: This mascara has a flat brush which I dig. But not CF, so not repurchasing.

NYX Professional Makeup Worth the Hype Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara: Not worth the hype, but fine.

Too Faced, Hangover Replenishing Face Primer: This one IS my favorite primer. Period. Already had a backup.

Bumble and Bumble, Bb.Curl Defining Creme: I have another hair product I like better but this was fine for travel.

Clinique, Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15: I really liked this! And it was a panic purchase at an airport. But alas–not CF.

Maybelline, Eyestudio® ColorTattoo® Leather 24HR Cream Gel Eye Shadow:  Covergirl just went CF! Maybe Maybelline will do the same soon? Because I like these.

Smashbox, Camera Ready CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Dark Spot Correcting, Light: Also liked this but see above: not CF.

Lush Cosmetics, Ro’s Argan Shower Moisturizer: Ugh. I love this so much!! But it’s expensive. I’ll probably repurchase but I haven’t so far.

Phew!! We did it! I’m super proud I worked through so many things–but I also know I can’t wait so long between “empties” posts!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! We are so thankful for you!!!!

Halo Beauty–did it change my life?

If you’re not familiar with Halo Beauty, you’re probably not familiar with Tati Westbrook, the YouTuber/beauty influencer/glam guru who developed this supplement designed to give you amazing hair/skin/nails.

 

I go in waves with watching YouTube videos where I’ll watch a ton and then go a few months without watching any. But when I do watch them, Tati is definitely one of my favorites.

Her sheer quantity of uploads is impressive. Girl puts in the work! And you can tell she is very thoughtful in the type of videos she posts with a large range of topics although all are makeup/skin care focused. I appreciate her point-of-view and her clear knowledge and passion for products–which I totally feel! I can tell she believes in miracles–and so do I.

And she’s not 22, which I appreciate.

So when she announced her launch of a supplement, it rocked the influencer beauty world in a very non-story story kind of way.

I’ll let her explain how she came to create the product:

And if you have an hour to kill and want to immerse yourself in some silly YouTuber drama, you can click here.

But regardless of all that noise, I decided to give the supplement a try (as you know if you follow us on our Instagram page.)

And I just finished my first month on it.

Here’s what I think in a simple pro/con list:

Continue reading Halo Beauty–did it change my life?

It’s “Empties” time again!! Featuring some seriously hyped products

Always so excited to fill my “empties” bag and reminisce on a bunch of products. I’ve got quite the random mix but a lot of really hyped products I’ve worked through.

Here are my thoughts:

Bioderma, Sensibio H2O Micellar Water: Has there ever been a more wildly hyped product that no one could get than the Bioderma micellar water? Everyone was talking about it on YouTube. And when I got it, it was only available overseas or super high priced on eBay. I was SOOOO EXCITED when I made my first trip to Japan and found it at a CVS styled convenience store near my hotel. I got one for me and one for Jess and Pamela for Christmas that year. That was November, 2015. And I just finished it now. In the time it took me to work through this bottle, you can get it at Wal-Mart. And truth be told, I didn’t love it. It stung my eyes. Which is why it took so long for me to work through it. So I’m in the market for a new micellar water. If you have one you love–let me know!

Oribe, Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray: I really like the original so I picked this one up when that one was sold out on Birchbox at one point. I would stick to the original, personally.

Glossier, Milky Jelly Cleanser: I feel like it takes me such a long time to work through face wash because I have several in rotation at the same time. This one is definitely a favorite, especially this time of year. I have already repurchased it. And all praise to Pamela for bringing this gem to our attention!

Urban Decay Cosmetics, Ultimate Ozone Multi Purpose Primer Pencil: This one is a Jess favorite so I was excited when I found mine (a one time gift from Jess, if i remember right?) I did really like this and would put it high on my list of lip primers if I were updating that post. My downside to it is you have to sharpen it, which is a pain. But the product is great.

L’Oréal, Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara: I really liked this when I first got it. But…now I’m just not sure I love this style of mascara. I found it a little clumpy overall. Which is definitely a specific look, but I tend to prefer more nature lash looks. This would also be on my banned list based on L’Oréal’s cruelty free status–although Jess and I have been having lots of talks about this topic, too. But regardless, I wouldn’t be rushing out to repurchase this one anyway.

Himalaya Herbals, Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo and Gentle Exfoliating Apricot Scrub: These products were amazing, and so cheap. I picked them up during my hike in Nepal in 2015, so it’s definitely past their time to go. I used up the last of the scrub, which I used on the back of my arms and hips and I only used the shampoo a few times. But it was such a crazy find to get luxury style products while in Nepal and for less than drugstore pricing. Finding–and using–these products made me feel more like me during the hike. I have lots of nostalgia for them.

Lush Cosmetics, Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner: This one is a total guilty pleasure. I love it so much. Everything about it. Except the price. So I won’t repurchase it now, but I will definitely get it again in the winter.

SEPHORA COLLECTION, Lip Balm & Scrub in Honey: Ugh. I can’t with this one. It’s not a good scrub and it’s not a good lip balm. I don’t understand it. So I’m just tossing it.

Rusk Deepshine Lustre Advance Marine Therapy, Shine Enhancing Lusterizer: I love this stuff and have been using it for a long time. It takes me forever to use one of this up and I’ve already repurchased.

Yes to® Miracle Oil Argan Oil Facial Wipes: Meh. I didn’t care about these either way. They were ok. Didn’t love. I don’t really have a facial wipe that I love, so give me your favorites below!

Mario Badescu, Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea: This was a new version for me, and I love it just as much as the original. This one lived in my car and has been replaced.

SUNDAY RILEY, Luna Sleeping Night Oil: So this one is a surprise. I had gotten a sample a few years back and hated it! I think I gave it to Jess or Pamela at one point because some of our YouTube favorites were ALL about it, but I couldn’t get past the sent or texture. Well, fast forward to a few years later and I was at Sephora looking for a retinol product. And was strongly recommended this one. I really hesitated but I went ahead and got it in the Power Couple Duo: Total Transformation Kit with the Good Genes day serum. And I’ve used it up. The scent is still a wow. Really strong. It doesn’t bother me so much anymore. And the oil texture is pretty…viscous but I’m used to that, too. Would I get it again? I’m not sure. Did it do a good job? Yes, I think so. My face made it through winter pretty well without too many issues with dryness which is a success. So I’d definitely consider it again.

Peter Thomas Roth, Cucumber Gel Mask Extreme Detoxifying Hydrator: I got this in a mask set I got during the holidays–who knows how long ag?o! I really like this mask a lot. But it’s sooo expensive. And PTR isn’t cruelty-free. So this will be a no go. At least for now.

Tarte Cosmetics, cleansing cutie scrubber: Nope. Nope. Nope.

Colgate, Cavity Protection Toothpaste: Why did I even have this laying around? I hate this stuff. But I also didn’t want to waste it. No thanks.

Tom’s of Maine Whole Care with Fluoride Natural Toothpaste Peppermint: This is the one! I love it and I’m so happy to be reunited. So yeah–REPURCHASED!

There you have it! Have you tried any of these things? Thoughts? Any Luna oil users out there? What do you think? And any favorite micellar water recommendations? Hit me up below!

All purchased by me. Some recently. Some not so recently.

 

Deal Breakers- What Make Us Hard-Pass On A Product?

I recently was trying a new face mask sample (the Fresh, Lotus Youth Preserve Rescue Mask to be exact) and I was struck by the cucumber scent. Now–I have no problems with cucumbers–I actually really like them, but I know Jess is not a fan. And I wondered if it was just the taste of cucumbers that she was against or cucumber anything.

Which then got me thinking about product deal breakers. Things that are just NOT going to work for you when it comes to a new product. Would a cucumber scent be enough to send Jess running away from the Fresh mask? (it’s actually not included in the description for it and only in the ingredients, btw.) I wondered what other things might be product deal breakers for us–and you!

Jess:

Why yes, I DO hate the scent of cucumber- it literally makes me gag!!

Continue reading Deal Breakers- What Make Us Hard-Pass On A Product?

What products did I pack for my trip?

So here’s the situation. I just got back from a wonderful trip to Spain that was divided into three parts: a few days in Barcelona, a 60+ mile hike on the Camino de Santiago and then a few days along the Costa Brava. Those are three very different vacations. And I had to pack for all them in a bag I could carry on my back during the hike portion of the trip. (technically, I could’ve put the non-hike stuff in a locker at the airport, but that would really be too convenient, and probably too smart for me. And yea—clearly it was.)

As we have established, I’m a pro at packing light. So keeping the weigh down was not a problem for me. I was able to pack everything I needed in a bag that weighed less than 15 pounds.

got a new pack for the trip off a packing light story.  it was okay. really designed for boys though.

This was seriously a source of pride for me. But did I pack right? Especially when it came to my skin care/makeup game. Let’s review!

Continue reading What products did I pack for my trip?

What I’ve purchased through Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty so far…

Three Ulta related posts in a row! Sheesh! But I kinda love this sale–I think its marketing genius–and it gets me looking at stuff I forgot about or stuff I’ve wanted to try or stuff I never knew existed.

So I’ve been taking full advantage of the promotion and pick up a bunch of things.

Again–you can ALWAYS return things at any retailer: Ulta, Sephora, Walgreens–so if you don’t like it, take it back.

While I haven’t’ tried everything I’ve purchased, so far there haven’t been any big misses that I know will be returned.

So here’s what I’ve purchased and my initial thoughts on them.

Mario Badescu: last Saturday was the 25% off Mario day, so I stocked up on a few things and picked up a few things to try.

Continue reading What I’ve purchased through Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty so far…

Empties: some old favorites but new reasons not to repurchase

It’s that time again! Time to go through my trash with you, aka my empties.

Giovanni 2chic Ultra Sleek Body Wash, Brazilian Keratin & Argon Oil: This is my favorite body wash. Period. It’s exfoliating and moisturizing. Adn I blow through these. Luckily, they are pretty cheap. Only $8.99 and I can get it at Festival Foods. So yup–repurchasing.

Dermalogica, Antioxidant HydraMist: I know we talk A LOT about the Mario Badescu spray–and for good reason. But I have a secret love for this mist. I bought it several years ago after getting a facial at Indulge Spa on the eastside and loving how it smelled. But then I didn’t love it when I got home. So I texted Pamela to see what the deal is with the spray and how to use it. (this whole talking products thing has been going on a long time, folks!) She gave me a nice primer on it–use it sparingly and give it time to soak in before going on to a next step. Since then I’ve been hooked. But because it’s kinda pricey, I only use it in the mornings and I’ve been using it just as a post makeup spritz to make it look a little more fresh and less make-upy. Pamela has recently told me I should use it as a toner and spray it on after washing my face at night–so I’m doing that now, too. I love this stuff. And it has already been repurchased.

BareMinerals, Oil Obsessed Total Cleansing Oil: : I’ve already told you how much I love this and that I already repurchased it!

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Swirl Gel Cream Treatment: So yeah. I’ve had this for a minute.

Continue reading Empties: some old favorites but new reasons not to repurchase

20% off–how we recommend you spend your Sephora discount

Lyn has already spent some serious cash at both the Ulta and Sephora holiday sales. And being the enablers we are–here are our recommendations on what to pick up during this weekend’s Sephora sale and some of the items we have our eye on.

Pamela:

I’m thawing out from my spending freeze for the Sephora 20% off sale! And also because I am most certain I won’t maintain my VIB status next year, because I’ve not spent enough money with them this year. So, I may as well stock up a little? Having said that, most of my purchases will be repurchases because I am trying to at least spend practically or some justification like that.

So, I know I have expressed my dislike for this product at least once or twice on the blog…. but now that I don’t have it, I totally want it again! Yep… I will be repurchasing the Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum cream. I never thought I would! I bought it in the holiday gift pack last year, and will again this year, which includes the lip butter and fragrance mist as well, which both seem exciting to try. The cream itself though, is what I’m after. It is so seriously hydrating. My fall/pre-winter skin misses it immensely. And I kind of miss the scent as well – it’s strong, but in the end I started mixing it with a regular unscented moisturizer and it really made it so much more subdued – and really the scent itself was never my issue…. It was the strength of it.

I can’t say I’ve gotten to the end of a tube of lipstick in forever (probably because I have about 30 currently that I need to use, sitting in a drawer upstairs) but I just ran out of my BITE Beauty Matte Cream Lip Crayon in the color Peche. I originally purchased it specifically to wear for my wedding. It’s taken me three years to use it all up, but I do love it and want it back.

And I will (maybe) be purchasing the Maison Margiela REPLICA fragrance – By The Fireplace, because they are sooooo expensive I would never buy this if I didn’t have 20%. I’m still on the fence about spending the money. These bottles are huge, which is great! But I don’t wear fragrance on a daily basis, and if you remember last year I got the MM REPLICA – Lipstick On, which I still love, but have barely made a dent in. So, this is more of a wish than a need. I honestly really dislike smelling like a campfire (but I really like camping – weird), and if you have smelled this you would think I’m silly to want to wear it, because it smells exactly like a campfire. BUT, the campfire smell is warmer and fades to a woody and sweet vanilla. It’s yummy. I really wish they sold it in the travel size. So, I guess I’ll see how I’m feeling about my finances the day I make my purchases.

Oh yeah…. I might also get this years Glow For It set too. I definitely don’t need it, I have or have had a couple that are in it, but I am also a sucker for highlights. And bonus – it still appears to be in stock, unlike last year.

Jess:

Alrighty… *rubs hands together*… what’s my plan?? Well, I also need to restock some of my favorites. I continue to love Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash (Lyn!! Why do you hate it so??? It’s minty and cleans everything off without drying you out!!), and that’s a boring thing to spend money on so I’ll grab one with my haul. I might also pick up some Bumble and Bumble Tonic Lotion– I don’t use it every day, but I like having it around, especially in the winter.

And speaking of winter problems, I’m also super stoked about this Dr. Jart Magical Skin Potions set Lyn pointed out last week- you get a FULL SIZE Cicapair Treatment PLUS a bunch of other stuff that I will use (their micellar water is pretty great, and I love a mini) for the price of the balm alone!!

Remember last year when I tried a whole bunch of liquid eyeliners?? Well, I’ve finally used them all up! Then I found a fresh mini sample of some Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in my stash, and realized, once again, that it is actually the best eyeliner ever. So… I’ll be adding that back into my daily rotation. (For the record, still love the Physician’s Formula and the Tarte one totally grew to be one of my faves!)

Now for the fun part: the “things I don’t really need buuuuutttttt…..” list. Since I’ll be in the KVD aisle anyway, I really think I need to pick up one of these new Everlasting Glimmer Veil Liquid Lipsticks. I swatched a few on my hand last time I was in the store, and they are BEAUTIFUL. Seriously, out of control gorgeous. I talked myself out of it because honestly, when will I wear this?? But screw it- it’s the holidays and I need something shiny!! (Which color though???)

I need another eyeshadow palette like…. I don’t need anymore eyeshadow palettes. But! This Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Palette is calling to me for some reason. Anyone have it? Thoughts?? It seems like just the right combination of shimmers and lights and deeps and would be a good grab and go travel palette…. maybe??

It might be way too expensive for several things I already have, but this Superstars Everyday Must Haves kit is kind of great, right? I might need it. Probably because I am also still using a Beauty Blender from the dawn of time.

Lyn:

I already spent a ton of money on the VIB 20% sale–I posted what I ended up going with on our Facebook page–so here are some things I think you should pick up:

FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna, Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer: This is the most wearable, universally flattering, beautiful lip gloss of all time. I’m not exaggerating. I feel like everyone should have one or three lying around. It’s beyond wonderful and smells amazing. And every time you wear it, it makes Rihanna smile. Go get it!!

LANEIGE, Lip Sleeping Mask: I’m obsessed with this! Since I had some troubles with my old standby, I grabbed this to give it a go. I love it. I wear it every night and throw it on sometimes on no makeup days. Too bad it’s in a pot, but even that doesn’t spoil the magic of this product.

Ouai, Treatment Masque: Yeah, these are stupid expensive. Yes, they work miracles. My hair always looks and feels its best after slapping one of these on. And I get two uses per packet making it slightly more defensible. 

bareMinerals, OIL OBSESSED™ Total Cleansing Oil: Gets makeup off. Has a nice light texture. Makes your skin feel amazing. What more could you want?

Peter Thomas Roth, Mask-A-Holic Kit: I bought a version of this probably two years ago and I’m still working through them. It’s a really nice collection of nearly full size products to fix all face predicaments. Feeling puffy? Go for the cucumber. A little congested? Use the clay mask. Dull looking? Grab the pumpkin. Wanna feel fancy? It’s time for the gold. I’ve never tried their undereye patches, so that’s a bonus! Still a little too much for you, even with the discount? Have fun with these.

And have I mentioned the Anastasia Beverly Hills, Modern Renaissance Eye Shadow Palette? Yes? Ok.

And YAY, PAM!!!! Go get that Bum Bum cream!!!

What have you picked up? Anything you’ve got your eye on? Let us know below!

 

 

Empties: sleeping masks, hair products and fancy face creams

I’ve used up a bunch of stuff–what did I think, would I repurchase, should you get on board?–let’s find out together!

Sudzz, AquaFix® Hydrating Conditioner: I’ve been using this conditioner for years! I’ve tried other samples and things but I always come back. I get it from my salon, coleighco.com It has already been repurchased.

DevaCurl, WAVE MAKER™ Touchable Texture Whip: I kinda liked this stuff. It was easy to pack when I traveled for work and was really light but kept my hair manageable. I haven’t repurchased yet because I have a ton of hair stuff right now. But I would pick it up again.

Continue reading Empties: sleeping masks, hair products and fancy face creams

Bonkers products I love!

Right now, it seems like I have a variety of kinda bonkers products that at first blush seem ridiculous, but have become staples for me.

One of these even has pretty bad reviews on Sephora, but I love it still!

So here are some oddball favorites that perhaps you’ve considered–and been scared off–or didn’t even know you needed!

Ouai, Dry Shampoo Foam


Let’s start with the one with the poor reviews. On Sephora.com this doesn’t even have a full three stars, which is pretty bleak. But let me tell you why I love it and why it’s perfect for a specific situation. I have thick, wavy hair. I don’t always want to wash my hair every day, but when I wake up in the morning, it looks insane. And the only way to start over is to get it wet and calm it down. And I feel like if I’m going to have to blow dry it anyway, I might as well just wash it. Enter this amazing time saver! Because it’s a foam, it’s a little damp so I can put it on my crazy bedhead hair and I can get it back under control. It’s a foam, like an old fashioned mousse, and you just give it a shake and then start with a golf ball size or bigger mound and work it through the roots. It doesn’t make you hair sticky or weird like a true mousse would, but it does make it manageable and gives it some texture. I have disliked the scent of Ouai products in the past, but this one doesn’t bother me. I feel like I need to stock up on it in case it gets discontinued–that’s how much I like it!

 

Peter Thomas Roth, Acne-Clear Invisible Dots

I mentioned these in my most recent “empties” post, but I feel like they are so strange, they are worth another mention. Thankfully, my skin hasn’t been a complete disaster that much lately, but I do get the random breakouts here and there. And when I do, I reach for these. One of my issues with acne treatments is I always felt like they mainly just got on your pillow at night and never really were able to work. That’s why these dots are incredible! They are basically stickers that come in two sizes, big and small, and you peel them off a sheet and put them over the problem spot. They are clear, so they don’t look like you have chicken pox or anything. There is a slight problem of finding them again when you go to take them off, because they are clear, they can be missed! But if you pop one of these on a spot early, they have been very effective for me to clear them up before they take over my face. My sister just got me a Korean dupe version that is much cheaper, so I’ll be giving those a try, but even at the high price, I think they are worth it.

Living Proof, Perfect Hair Day In-Shower Styler

Another hair product! I’ve talked in the past how my hair makes me crazy, so I’m always looking for things that make me feel slightly better about it. Couple that with any excuse to stay in the shower for a few more minutes, and I’m sold! This product is very strange, but it accomplishes both goals: better hair and extra shower time. Basically, it’s like a third step after conditioning your hair. You put the same amount of this product through your hair, but then you don’t rinse it completely off. And the balance of how much product vs how much to rinse can seem a little challenging. But I feel like after a couple uses, I could just FEEL when the balance was right. It’s a nice time saver too, you can just either let your hair air dry, which is what I’ve been doing this summer, or it’s ready for blowdrying without having to add anything to the mix. Again–this might just be specifically great for my hair type–but if you’ve got wavyish or curly hair, this might be good for you, too!

YUNI, SHOWER SHEETS Large Body Wipes

Okay–these might seem completely silly because you can just use baby wipes or something that’s not $1 a sheet–but let me explain. I teach dance on Friday nights and class gets done at 6:45pm. Ofter after class–I go out somewhere. And while the Mario Badusco has been a savior, these actually make me feel slightly more confident to go out without a proper shower. They are basically big, body sized baby wipes! They smell good and they are big enough to really feel like you got all your bits covered and are good to go. I feel like it’s $1 well spent!

Do you have any bonkers products you love? Or products other dislike but work for you? I wanna know!!

All products purchased by me. All photos from the product websites. All opinions my own!