hair – Page 2 – Everything and Nothings

Ipsy vs. Birchbox

This post is the one I’ve gotten requested the most: “what do you think about Ipsy/Birchbox” and “which one do you prefer?”

The question comes at the right time. I’ve started to think maybe it’s time to let one–or both–of the subscriptions go.

I am overrun with samples. I have a giant box in my bathroom filled with sample sized products waiting for me to try them. Between the two subscription services, Sephora often has special sized samples with purchase and I’m a total sucker for the Sephora Favorite boxes that come out seasonally with different products to try. All these samples really add up.

And the weird thing is–I’ve actually found a bunch of products I really like–so it’s hard to play facial product roulette with untested potions that could lead to magically perfect skin, or nasty breakouts.

So my willingness to test out products has been decreasing recently or maybe I just feel so overwhelmed with mini products, I can’t focus on them long enough to give them a try.

To determine my thoughts on each option, I reviewed them on a number of areas. Here are my findings:

Our relationship

I’ve really given both of them a long run. I started Birchbox in January 2012 when a Ms. Jess Boggs gave me a gift subscription for Christmas. (we’ve been pushing product on each other for a long time!) I added Ipsy in January 2013, presumably a Christmas present to myself.

Each subscription is $10/month and gives an assortment of products, but generally five sample sizes. Rarely do you receive a full-sized option. (side note: i had a brief flirtation with Boxycharm, which is $21/month but you get full-sized options. i hated it. i rarely used the products and i felt worst getting rid of full-sized products than samples. i got rid of it after a few months.)

The Container

the boxes are super cute, just not needed by me

Birchbox comes in a box that you could collect and reuse. I do not. So the box basically makes me feel bad every time I throw it in the recycling–which is immediately after I receive my box.

Ipsy comes in a bag that range from really cute, to kinda janky. But I use the bags. Mostly for packing up samples to give to friends, but sometimes for travel. I have a lot of them though.

The Brands

Regarding the brands each site carries, Birchbox offers more well-known medium to high end brands. Ipsy tends to have more independent brands that are new to me.

What’s in the box/bag?

In my mind, I’ve always viewed Birchbox as more skincare and Ipsy as makeup. I did a quick tally of the products I received through each subscription the past six months. Ipsy does seem to have more makeup samples including brushes, which is one of my favorite things to receive. Birchbox has way more hair care products. I received zero hair products through Ipsy and nine from Birchbox. But otherwise, they seems pretty evenly split between their offerings.

this month i got the curated box–i already have the stila lip AND the purlisse mask, but i wanted the hair mask and lotion.

Birchbox has also added curated boxes. Now there are three options for your box. You can either chose a box that’s curated and you can see what’s in there in advance, you can select one particular sample out of three options but the rest will be surprises or the entire box is a surprise. I’ve done all three and I don’t really have a preference. Sometimes the curated box is great, sometimes I already have many of the samples in it already. I’ve gone with the surprise boxes and had good success and also misses.

Ipsy is still a surprise each month.

Both services have a quiz you take at the start of the relationship that sets the type of products you will receive. I haven’t played with the quizzes recently to see if it would change what I receive, but they do seem to be pretty close to what I have said are my makeup and skin care preferences.

The online presence

Birchbox.com is designed as an online retailer with sample sizes of its main product lines.

Ipsy is more of a product hub with links to the retailers’ websites.

Discounts

One of the benefits I have found using Birchbox is you can get discounts more frequently on quality products that are rarely discounted through Ulta or Sephora aside from the few sales they offer during the year.

Ipsy offers discounts to the brands during the month their products are featured in the bags. It’s a little clunkier to transition over to the product site and use the discount codes than to just order direct from the service website. But, this also means you can get a discount on the brand’s entire product line and not just select products which can be nice.

Points

One of the best benefits of Birchbox was its review program. Each month, you were given the opportunity to review the products to receive points. Those points added up to actual cash. So it wasn’t difficult to rack up $10 off every few months from reviews.

They recently discontinued this program. Instead, you get points for purchasing products. It’s still something, but it’s less enticing for me to stay on the service when it’s harder for me to collect points i.e. product credits. But those points still add up to actual cash off you can use on your order total. I much prefer getting cash back than points for MORE product.

Ipsy still gives points for submitting reviews. But the points are used toward select products and you need a lot of points to get anything good. I don’t bother with it.

Special deals

Birchbox has gift with purchase options that are always available, but honestly, I rarely use them. I generally order through Birchbox when they offer a percentage off–and you can only use one code per purchase–so I go for the cash, not the samples.

In addition to the retailer discount codes, Ipsy also offers discounted bundles each month. I have mixed feelings on these bundles. They are very cheap–but not always very good. I’ve ordered a few things and then I rarely reach for them. They also sell out quickly, so you have to be on top of things if there is something for a line your really like. Higher end bundles especially sell out fast.

The products

I guess it really comes down to the products. And sadly, I’m split.

I looked at the last six months and the products I’ve tried that I liked–and tbh–there are many, many products I haven’t tried yet.

Here are the ones from Ipsy that I made the grade: Skone Blending Brush, Josie Maran Face Butter, Glamour Dolls Angle Blush Brush, Jesse’s Girl Liquid Eyeliner, Royal and Langnickel brush, SKYN Iceland Face Wash, So Susan brush. (lots of brushes. lots.)

And the Birchbox winners: Benefit They’re Real Double Lip Lipstick, Schmidt’s Deodorant Stick, Davines Hair and Body Wash, Benefit Rollerlash, Number 4 Sugar Texturizing Spray, R + Co shampoo/conditioner and Moisture and Shine Cream.

I also did a quick look to see what products I discovered from Birchbox and Ipsy over the years that have become go-to options. I discovered the Oribe Texturizing Spray through Birchbox. My favorite exfoliating was from Juara was a Birchbox sample and I’ve recently discovered that my first impression of the Benefit Rollerlash was wrong and it’s actually really good.

From Ipsy, I really like the It Cosmetics Superhero mascara, Benefit Gimme Brow and the Balanced Guru No Frizz Hair Oil is my everyday finishing touch on my hair–and I love it!

Final conclusion

Ugh–it’s hard. The best thing about both services is the anticipation when the package arrives and you open it to see what you get. That 2 minutes is like Christmas morning every month and it would be hard to give that up. Even when it’s not that great–it’s always so exciting to see what’s inside.

But that said, it would save me $20/month to cancel them AND tons of space in my bathroom.

Soo…I don’t know. I think I should cancel them both, but it feels like an end of an era. I’ve really come to look forward to those pink boxes and bags each month. It’s been a constant source of optimism for the past four and five years, respectively. It makes me sad to think I won’t get fun mail each month.

usually it’s a pink box, but there’s always a cute salutation

this bag is ALWAYS hot pink–except this month when i take a picture. :/ i would miss ripping into it each month.

This is a very Gemini moment for me, I’m having a hard time deciding!

What do you think? Get out of the relationship or focus on the benefits and stay? Do you get a subscription service? How do you like it?

I pay for each subscription myself. If you feel like trying one of them, I do have invite codes you can choose to use if you want for Ipsy and Birchbox.

We just disagree

Of all the products and things we have tried here at E&N, we tend to agree on most of them. From the magic of Mario Bedescu facial sprays to the ridiculousness of the drybar experience, we are nearly always on the same page. Which can actually make it a little challenging to find things to write about since we kinda like and dislike the same things.

before drybar blowouts on top, after on the bottom. we basically spent $50 to look exactly the same as we do every day but fluffier.

So it’s a surprise when we disagree. And when we do–we really do.

What are the products that have us divided? Let’s have at it!

Pamela:

Lyn loves Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint. I do not. And that’s a pretty big statement considering all I ever do on this blog is gush about how amazing Glossier is and how they can do no wrong. It’s not even that it’s wrong, as a product, it’s actually really good. I’m currently trying to save money and instead of buying something new, I’m getting to just using it up. But nope, still don’t love it. It’s not the shade I chose – that seems fine. It’s not the packaging – the packaging is good and user friendly. If I had to put my finger on it, I think it’s really just the consistency I don’t like. It makes me feel like there is a film on my skin – which I know is due to glycerin being a main ingredient – I feel the same filmy feeling on my hands if I use a glycerin soap. And glycerin isn’t a bad ingredient, it’s a humectant, which means it helps retain moisture…. something I certainly need. Perfecting Skin Tint is definitely not a tinted moisturizer, but not quite a foundation. It’s unique. Which is cool, because I can’t say I’ve tried anything else quite like it (see, Glossier rules again with an innovative product). But it’s just not for me. I’m still going to use it up though, waste not, want not…. right?

Lyn:

That’s fair, Pamela. Perfecting Skin Tint does have a different texture–it’s pretty watery–but that’s something I love about it. It’s really light to apply. But it’s also very light coverage–and that’s something else I love. I put on a moisturizer/sunscreen and then pop this on the top. But I get it. It’s not for everyone.

I am prone rants. It’s ridiculous, really. And I got a sample of Origins Checks and Balances face wash, tried it again after trying it years ago and I went on a crazy Snapchat tirade to Pamela and Jess about how much I hate it. (yes, our primary mode of conversation remains Snapchat.) The texture of it feels like it’s separating in my fingers, something about it seems almost metallic and I feel like I can’t get it to rinse off my face. I also don’t think it cleaned my face so much as left a minty scent on it. I thought this was a universal affront to hardworking cleansers everywhere. No kidding–Jess gets a sample of it in a 500 point Sephora gift or something–and she reports back that she loves it and is committing to it as her primary cleanser. I’m still shocked! I feel like I don’t even know you anymore, Jess!!!! (jk, love you!) So yeah–we tend to agree on most things–but we are pretty far apart on this one!

Jess:

First off- I think it’s hilarious that Lyn hates Checks and Balances. I love it!! I got a sample in a discovery set, and liked it so much I went out and bought a full size. It does a great job taking off my makeup, it’s creamy, frothy, minty, and doesn’t leave my face feeling stripped. *Shrug*. If you get a sample, try it and tell us what you think!

I am very sad to report that I can’t get behind dry shampoo. I really want to, but I just can’t get it to work! Last year, Pamela recommended a bunch of her favorites, and I’ve tried a few of them (NYM and Batiste), plus a bunch of random samples that I’ve collected from Birchbox or whatever, to no avail. It tricks me for just long enough to think it’s working, then later in the day I realize I look like a greaseball. WHAT AM I MISSING GUYS. I spray it on my roots, let it hang for a while, then shake it through with my fingers or a brush. Why isn’t it magic?? *sobs* I am 100% willing to blame this on user error, but for now, I’m just going to wash my hair with regular shampoo and water. Boooooo.

But hey–as Dave Mason says “There ain’t no good guy, there ain’t no bad guy There’s only you and me and we just disagree.”

Have you tried these products? Weigh in with your thoughts below!

Per usual, we bought these products with our own cash, unless it was a sample we were also getting because we were spending cash on something else. Either way, cash was spent.

Sephora Splurges for Spring

The spring Sephora sale has started! If I’m honest—I need new products like I need a hole in the head!—but of course, that’s not going to stop me.

I have a bunch of items sitting in my “loves” that I’m deciding between. I thought I’d lay out a few of the ones I’m considering the strongest to see if you have any experience with them and get your feedback. Since the sale ends on the 24th, I’ve got a little time before I hit the “purchase” button. I also thought I’d share a few items I’d recommend to you, products I’ve been using a lot lately, especially turning over from winter to spring/summer.

Tops on my “Loves” list:

Continue reading Sephora Splurges for Spring

“Empties” reviews: shower products, toothpaste, La Mer and more

Some of my favorite YouTube videos to watch are the “Empties” collections. Why do I want to look at other people’s trash, you ask? Perhaps it scratches the itch I’ve had to be a private investigator—an ambition born spending my youth watching Magnum PI, Moonlighting , Remington Steele and the criminally underrated, Riptide (i wanted both the robot AND the helicopter, sadly, i still have neither) with my mother.

But more likely, I find it helpful to get insight on products that were taken the distance. I like knowing if the trusted YouTuber plans to repurchase items, especially when it requires spending their own money on a product they might have gotten sent to them gratis from the company.

So I thought it might be fun to do my own “Empties” post and go through some products I’ve finished and give my take on them. Continue reading “Empties” reviews: shower products, toothpaste, La Mer and more

What I’m Packing: Beach Edition

You know how Lyn is a light-packing magician?? Turns out I am the exact opposite of her: I always check a bag. I always bring one too many pairs of shoes and 47 t-shirts. I always come home with 50% of my clothes unworn. But hey! I’m ok with it, and I still dream of a weekend getaway, someday, where I manage to pack everything I need in my purse (which is literally a gym bag and also the greatest carry on bag of all time. Damn you Lululemon for not making it anymore!!!!).

Once a year, my husband and I take a break from life and hit the beach. Usually we head to Mexico, but this year we are mixing it up and checking out the beaches of Costa Rica! Our goals for our beach vacations always prioritize relaxation- we don’t really go out to fancy dinners or go clubbing or anything, and we mostly stick to the resort, but we will do some off-site adventures. Over the years, I’ve come up with a few edits and additions to my packing to make sure my beach vacay is on point:

Now, obviously, this doesn’t include all of my clothes, carry on essentials, books, or hats, but these are the things I felt should be singled out. Let’s start from the top!

Continue reading What I’m Packing: Beach Edition

First Impressions: Samples I Tried in Japan

One of the things I love about traveling is having an excuse to use some of the many, many product samples I have accumulated. Between subscription boxes, sample sets, Sephora gifts and those alluring mini-sized items by the checkout at Ulta, I can get overwhelmed by products looking for their big break into my routine.

My vanity in Tokyo filled with samples to try.

I just got back from a week in Japan–the jet lag fog is finally starting to lift!–and I can start to formulate thoughts again, let alone opinions on some of the products I tried. Unpacking my clear toiletries bag–because you know I was gone for a week and only needed a carry-on–I’ve got some first impressions on some of the samples I tried while traveling in Japan.

bags — For real–I pack light! One week of travel and I only needed a work bag and a carry-on–which I had to check on the way home due to some SK-II purchases…

Things I liked and will spring for the full size:

Milk Makeup Highlighter: I received this sample in my Birchbox and I love it! It was the only highlighter I packed and the only one that I needed. It’s completely foolproof and takes zero time or effort to apply. I’m curious to try the Glossier one that Pam recommends because I think it’s similar, but this one was also great. Since Milk Makeup is a new launch, there are TONS of sample sets out there (like this one or this one) where you can try the highlighter along with other items in their line for a reasonable price. But at $23, I think the full size is worth it.

Skyn Iceland, The ANTIDOTE Cooling Daily Lotion and Icelandic Relief Eye Pen: I picked up the Skin Hangover Emergency Relief Kit after a couple of readers recommended some of their products to me. I’m already a fan of the under eye masks, so I was excited to give other items a go. Both products do what they say–provide a cooling sensation to your skin and take down redness and puffiness. These products won’t be every day items for me, but I can see a lot of opportunities where I will need their services! At $25, this kit is a great value with big samples and fun way to try a bunch of their products. Plus–Ulta is currently offering a free gift with purchase on any items in the line.

Caudalie, Beauty Elixer: Oh–this stuff is divine! It made me feel super fancy and the mist is perfection. The glass bottle is heavy and feels important. The scent might not be for everyone as it’s very distinct, but I loved it. I could definitely see using this as my main setting spray, especially in the winter. At $18 for a full-size–it’s a splurge–but why not start the day a little classy!

Things I liked but probably won’t repurchase:

Clinque Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm and Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara – Jumbo Jet: Right before I left, I got the 500 point Sephora reward pack called Clinique Balm to Bombsell. I had been curious about all these products, so it was a great perk.

clinque

First the mascara–it’s got a really thick wand and definitely made my lashes look thicker and had a very black pigment. I didn’t find it to be too messy to apply and it did last all day without fall out. But at $17.50 for a full size, there are too many drugstore mascaras I prefer to warrant that price.

The Cleansing Balm was used exactly as its name suggests–to take the day off. My skin was so wonky when I was gone–I was wearing full coverage, full face makeup everyday–and it did a great job removing it. You also don’t need much product, even for waterproof mascara. The downside is you have to follow it up with a regular cleanser which at the end of a long day is an extra step too many. At home, I’m working through the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser–thanks, Pam!–and Meaningful Beauty Skin Softening Cleanser and both remove my makeup in one-step. But if you’re in the market for a solid makeup remover, I would give this one a try. The 500 point perk is still available and Sephora also has this sample pack you could try for pretty cheap.

No thanks

Soap & Glory, Clean on Me: I brought this as my shower gel and really didn’t like it. It boasts it’s “Original Pink Fragrance combines fresh bergamot, mandarin, rose, jasmine, peach, strawberry, and soft musk & amber base notes” but I honestly couldn’t smell anything–yet it didn’t smell unscented–it was just odd and off-putting. I also didn’t find it moisturizing and used it both with my hands as recommended and on a wash cloth and didn’t like how it applied either way.

Klorane, Conditioner with Quinine and B Vitamins: What is this? The consistency is really watery which is odd for a conditioner and after I rinsed my hair, it feels less conditioned than after I shampooed. I hated this so much, I switched to the hotel conditioner which I didn’t love either, but was definitely better than this nonsense.

There are several other products I’m still checking out and many more waiting for a turn. What samples have you been working through? Anything we should avoid or consider taking out for a spin? Let us know in the comments below!

(These products were either purchased impulsively at check out by me, received in subscription boxes or obtained because I spend too much money at Sephora. But I’m happy to try and review products I am sent…)

Our Can’t Live Without Summer Essentials

Summer is so great, and yet so fleeting. The three of us are in complete agreement that summer is not the time to be futzing with products but should instead be spent with sun on our faces–protected by sunscreen–obvs, toes in the water and summer tunes in our ears (our full summer playlist at the bottom). So we’ve broken down our top three summer essentials–at least two of us did *cough JESS cough*–and can’t wait to hear yours!

Pamela:

SPF for face and body – I’ve been called the sunscreen police once or twice before. Sun protection is really important, people! No matter the season I ALWAYS have sun protection on my face, but in summer, with so much skin exposed I lather up full body, daily as well…. you never know when you might find yourself outside when the days are long and the sun is out. For face I opt for a moisturizer with an SPF, and whatever I put on over that as far as SPF in my makeup is a bonus. This year I am really liking Dermalogica’s Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 for face, and Juice Beauty SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen for body.

Official summer jams – To me a summer jam is either a song I fall in love with over summer or just a song that embodies the feeling of summer…. driving with the windows down, sun shining, singing along. Could be new, could be old…. but it has to be played non stop, all summer long. In any case, these are my 2016 summer jams thus far:

Usher – Crash

Beck – Wow

Leisure – All Over You

Sam Hunt – Make You Miss Me

Bronzer – With wearing sunscreen (properly) I rarely get much of any color, especially on my face. But like most of us, I feel a little golden color in the summer months is just really pretty. Enter bronzer. I have always shied away from bronzer due to the fact that it just seemed to make me look dirty…. not a good look. It turns out though, I just needed to find the right one. This year on a whim while at Target, I decided to buy Wet n Wild’s Color Icon Bronzer with SPF 15 in the shade Ticket to Brazil. You guys. I LOVE this bronzer! I was intrigued initially with the SPF in it (bonus SPF – never a bad thing) and the price is definitely right at $3.99. It’s a big pan, so you get a ton of product for the money. Also it’s not matte, it has a very slight sheen which I feel like for me personally makes it more wearable (and not dirty looking). I have been using it in place of my blush as well as a little on my forehead along my hairline, my neck, on my collarbones, and shoulders if I’m wearing a sleeveless shirt. Throw on some highlighter and a bold lip and I’m good to go. I think it’s pretty great.

Lyn:

St. Ives Blemish Control Apricot Scrub – There was a time I used this classic scrub on my face—horror! Even reformulated, it’s a bit too harsh as a facial scrub. But it’s perfect for the back of your arms, chest, and back—all the places that get uncovered in the summer—and could be prone to bumps or breakouts. And I wax and I’ve found it works great at preventing ingrown hairs. Plus it’s cheap—less than $5—and I get it at Target.

Easy Go-to Eye Makeup Routine – I start this look with the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Minor Sin. This primer works great as a stand-alone shadow. It provides shimmer but not in an overwhelming way. Mostly—it looks like you are awake and put some sort of effort into getting ready for the day—even though all you had to do was dab a little on your finger and pat it into place. It doesn’t crease and legit lasts all day–it even stands up against summer sweatiness. (If you already own the Urban Decay Naked palette–and you’re not in the market for a new product–you can also just use the “Sin” powder shadow to get the summer shimmer effect.) I like to complete the look by lining my lower lashes with Urban Decay Sidecar, which is also in the Naked palette and using my favorite summer mascara, the CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara. I love all the options in this line–but my favorite is the green tube–it lengthens your lashes, but still looks fresh and natural, and stays put. One might even say it’s easy, breezy, beautiful…

Favorite Summer Songs, Latin edition – Nothing says summertime to me like these five tracks:

Suavemente, Elvis Crespo

Salome, Chayanne

Bidi Bidi Bom Bom, Selena

Magdalena, Mi Amore (quimbara), DLG

La Tortura, Shakira with Alejandro Sanz

Jess:

Summer Hair is the Best Hair – I know it’s not a popular opinion, but I love love love my hair in summer, especially since getting it chopped off to chin length last month. My secret to this love? Verb Sea Spray. I use it on wet hair after washing, but also to refresh and scrunch dry or damp hair later in the week. It gives your hair enough “dirt” to hold a style without feeling weighed down and gross, plus it smells fresh, not perfumey or like coconuts. A second must-have in my summer hair arsenal, after I noticed my hairstylist friend using it on herself and her daughter periodically while poolside in Mexico, is Bumble and Bumble Tonic Lotion. This is a great detangler, product re-activator, and just makes your scalp feel good. It even soothed a little sunburn I got on my forehead once! I always keep a travel size of this guy in my beach tote. Despite these miracle sprays, I also love that, in summer, it’s much easier to get away with tying a cute scarf or bandana around your dirty pool hair, or wear a trucker hat to the gym. Summer! A time to embrace your inner slacker!!

Vans! – Someday, I will gather all of my Vans in one place and realize that I have a problem. That day, however, is not today. I love the timeless look of a classic Vans Slip-On, and yes, my all time favorite is the “Spicoli” black and white checkerboard. Some people might think “oh, but what would you wear with such a zany print?”, and the answer is EVERYTHING. Jeans, shorts, casual dresses, leggings… turns out, checkerboard is a neutral. Who knew?? These are the shoes I would pack if I was following Lyn’s packing rules. They offer the summertime ease of a flip flop (no socks, needed, slide them on and you’re out the door) without the danger of flip flops (I drive stick, plus chasing an ice cream truck down in flippies is hard). Bonus: easy on and off in airport security, and I can deadlift in them. Vans are super affordable, so having several flavors to choose from, based on your mood, is fun and easy. Vans! (Real talk: while writing this, I may have perused the Vans site and considered buying more…)

Summer Blockbuster Movies – I’m not sure why- maybe because I share a birthday with JAWS, maybe because I spent my childhood summers living up north where movies were our main source of family fun- but I have always loved summer blockbusters. Please give me aliens, explosions, dinosaurs, superheroes, natural disasters, unnatural disasters, sharks, snappy one-liners, improbable scenarios, science experiments gone awry, giant insects, and Jeff Goldblum to save the day. This summer, I am super excited for Ghostbusters, The Shallows, Star Trek Beyond, Suicide Squad, and obviously, Independence Day: Resurgence, even though the reviews are total shit. (I am saving The Conjuring 2 for Haunted October- no spoilers!)

And overachieving with an extra essential…

Jess’s party boat jams –

Head Over Heels- the Go Go’s

Five More Hours- Deorro ft Chris Brown

All Night Long- Lionel Richie

Don’t Let Me Down- Chainsmokers

https://open.spotify.com/user/122453366/playlist/4hOWlYQ9nz2Sggygw8OCUf

Is the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray Worth the Crazy Price?

In a word–yes. At least it is for me.

I have hair issues. My hair makes me crazy. I have thick hair–as in–each strand is thick AND I have a lot of hair. Seriously–I could floss my teeth with a strand of my hair–not that I’ve tried. Because my hair is thick, it laughs at hair spray. Hair spray works for approximately the amount of time it takes me to spray my hair and leave my house until it flattens out again. The only benefit to my hair’s insatiable ability to absorb Aquanet is that I don’t have regrettable sky-high bang pictures from my youth. Not that I didn’t try.

10339376_10153505817502565_6543337569199662799_o — can you spot me by my drooping bangs?

My hair is also wavy. In an unpredictable, annoying kind of way. Some days–it almost appears curly–and other days it looks like I had my hair in a ponytail too long and my hair is just bent. (comment below if you feel me!)

And my hair is soft. I get this could be considered a good thing. But it means it can feel clingy and unmanageable. (i’ve been told i wash my hair too much–which is fair–and a post for another day.)

In general–my hair controls me–and not the other way around.

382978_2700540465546_101482417_n

I decided to try the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray because it seemed like every YouTuber I follow had it on a “holy grail” list or as part of hair routine.

I started with the travel size, which is still a pricey $22 for 2.2 oz.

oribe

I quickly found this spray gives my hair the texture I’m looking for, especially on days when it’s stuck to my face. It helps define my waves and makes them appear more intentional than unruly. And it provides a bit of hold. It’s still not going to keep my hair in any sort of unnatural, upright position, but it gives it some body and definitely some height at the roots. Basically–it’s the first finishing product I’ve found that accomplishes all of the things I’d want to address my mess.

big oribe

So I’ve committed to the full-size can and now it is a staple in my hair routine, too. In fact–I’m such a convert–I keep a travel size in my purse for daytime boosts or post dance class refreshing AND a can in my car for a lift after hours of driving.

I purchase this product through Birchbox because of their reward program

cash

but you can also find it on Net-a-Porter. I bought a few things on Net-a-Porter and found they have speedy delivery and a good return policy, so you can send it back if you don’t like it. Plus it makes you feel fancy! But Amazon works, too.

The product claims to work for all hair types, and I’m curious to hear if this is true. So if you’ve tried it before–or decide to give it a go—let me know your thoughts. I’m also game to try other texturizing sprays that you love to see how they stack up, especially given Oribe’s hefty price tag. But for now—the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray has definitely made my Holy Grail list, too.

(P.S. I have tried the Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray when it was a Birchbox sample. It’s fine. But it wasn’t enough to make me switch over even though it’s a little cheaper than the original. I have not tried the Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray—yet—so I can’t compare it to the other two options.)