Tag Archive | hair care

Allure Beauty Box April 2020

Hello and happy Thursday!  I’ve been getting Allure Beauty boxes for well over a year. The cost is $15USD. The value is much higher due to getting at least two full size products per month.

First up is a full-size Thrive Lip Liner in Kackie valued at $20USD. It’s a great neutral color which would look good on any skin color.  Here’s the description from their website.

  • Revitalizing Lip Quench Technology™ acts as a built-in lip primer to treat, smooth + plump.
  • Semi-Permanent Micropigment Technology™ delivers bold, full coverage, no-bleed color that lasts all day.
  • The easy glide formula is encapsulated in a retractable mechanical pencil – twist to reveal product.
  • Includes a built-in sharpener so you can create a precision tip for more detailed application.

I love lip pencils and have way too many, but who cares?? Here’s what it looks like on me, I used it as both liner and lip color, with a touch of lip balm.  This will go into heavy rotation amongst my lip liners.

Allure Beauty Box April 20 lip pencil

I got all kinds of goodies this month. The sizes are more generous than a deluxe sample. I got .24 oz of Flowerbomb L’Eau De Parfum. It retails at $115 for 1.7 ounces. It’s a lovely floral fragrance that smells wonderful. Cicapair Derma Green Solution SPF 30 came in a  .16 oz jar.  I’ll be anxious to try this as I have redness around my nose.  It retails for $18USD for .5 ounces.

Purlisse Match Green Tea Sheet Mask valued at $8USD. With all the craziness going on in the world right now, putting on a sheet mask is right up there at the top of my to-do list.

Lue by Jean Seo Balance Serum who doesn’t love a good serum? This is full size at 1 oz for $15USD. I think this will be a gentle serum to use daily.  I just started using Tretinoin, so this will be a great add on.

I always love trying new hair products. I color my hair myself, and it tends to get very dry. I have naturally curly, fine hair that has a mind of its own. Mane Magic Multibenefit 10-in-1 Primer

This is 1 ounce for $6USD. This will be a great product to use when we go to Costa Rica in the Fall.

Akar Skin Balance Toner 2.5 ounces cost $55USD. The size I received is 1 oz. This toner smells wonderful. Check out the description from their website:

For all skin types

Spray your way to glowing, healthy skin. This non-sticky Rose and Neroli scented mist sets gently into the skin, providing deep hydration, improving overall elasticity, while simultaneously keeping the pH value of the skin’s acid mantle layer at the optimum level. Salicylic acid from White Willow Bark is both anti-microbial and exfoliating, helping prevent build-up in pores as well as acne-related issues. Stem cell extracts from the rare Saffron flower contain antioxidants and carotenoids which aids the epidermis in repair and regeneration. Last but not least, Balance enables greater absorption of nutrients by lowering the skin’s surface tension, which means that all the good stuff – in this toner, and everything you apply next – will be fully absorbed, right into your skin.

Our toning mist does not contain irritants like alcohol, nor is it diluted with water fillers, ensuring noticeably softer and luminous skin with use.

Swipe through to learn more about Balance’s 4 Select Ingredients.

✓ Vegan
✓ Cruelty-free
✓ Gluten-free

2.4oz / 70ml

*84% saw an increase in skin hydration
*Product is independently certified by the Environmental Working Group

The value of the full size products for April is $49USD.  This month’s total value was $128USD. The Allure Beauty box also includes a mini magazine that includes promo codes for most items. Sign up today Allure Beauty Box

I know times are tough right now, but this is only $15 a month.  I don’t smoke, barely drink, buy my clothes second hand, color my own hair, etc.  I hope to be retiring within the next few years, so my beauty boxes may have to go away. I’ll just have to enjoy them while I can.

 

Allure Beauty Box April 20

Thanks for stopping by.

 

Super cute hair clips by Janet Carr

I often wear these ‘African Butterflies’ when I want to clip my hair back or have it in a bun. They are basically two hair combs joined with elastic threads. On the threads you can put beads, crystals, charms – anything you want really. I have a few in different colours but for work I […] […]

via from Janet Carr: — By the Mighty Mumford

TREsemme’ Expert Repair & Protect 7 Pre Styling Spray Review

Happy Mother’s Day!  I recently purchased Tresemme Expert Repair & Protect Pre-Styling Spray for less than $5 at Walmart.  I first read about it in “O” magazine, if Oprah Winfrey is recommending it, I’m all in.  I have naturally curly, fine hair.  As I’ve gotten older, my hair has become a frizzy mess. Being in menopause doesn’t help.

Here’s a description from Walmart’s website:

Repair & Protect 7 Pre-Styling Spray with Biotin

Why use the Pre-Styling Spray?
Our Repair & Protect 7 Pre-Styling Spray is an essential step to help maximize styling results and protect hair from damage. The professional-quality formula is designed to help shield hair from heat, prevent split ends, and to leave hair smooth and shiny. Your hair is left protected and ready for you to keep on styling for the look you want! TRESemme Expert Selection Repair & Protect 7 Pre- Styling Spray:

  • Professional-quality formula, with Biotin, protects hair from heat and helps prevent breakage and split ends
  • Makes hair more manageable and maximizes the results of your styling routine
  • Light-weight conditioning formula allows you to layer styling products on top
  • Safe to use on color-treated hair
  • Use as the final, essential step of the Repair & Protect 7 system, it helps protect against 7 different types of damage – brushing, blow-drying, bleaching, coloring, curling, flat-ironing and braiding.

I have to say this is an amazing product.  I use it along with mousse, and it really makes my hair soft and less frizzy.  I was in a hurry recently and forgot to use it, and just used mousse. Dang, won’t be doing that again. It’s 4.2 ounces and I use 7 pumps for my shoulder grazing length. I have always liked the Tresemme brand, and they are always coming out with great new products.  I’ve used salon products, and this is comparable for a fifth of the price.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

 

Tresseme Expert Repair & Protect 7 Pre Styling Spray 5-14-17

Dec. 2016 Ipsy Glam Bag Review

Happy Thursday!  I recently updated my Ipsy profile, and I’m so glad I did.  They have more options now than they have had in the past.  I’ve had my Ipsy subscription since they started I think about five years ago. It’s only $10 a month, and you always get at least two full size items.

This month’s bag is carpe p.m. I have to say I’m digging everything I got.

Let’s dig in. First item Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Perfect Curl Cream is a deluxe sample size at 1.5 ounces. I have naturally curly fine hair, so I’ll be anxious to try this out. Value $1.85 USD. Next up Hikari Iris Liquid Eyeliner full size- a pretty deep purple liquid eyeliner with a super sharp point. Value $15 USD.

NYX Prismatic eye shadow in Bedroom Eyes full size- a beautiful bronze shadow that will look great on my blue eyes. Value $6 USD. Smashbox Insta Matte Lipstick Transformer deluxe sample valued at $12 USD. Now this is one cool product as it turns any cream lipstick into a matte lipcolor.  It can also be used around the lips to decrease lines and prevent lipstick from bleeding. Being a mature gal, I will really appreciate this. Can’t wait to try it.

Last, but not least I got REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask deluxe sample valued at $18 USD. It’s rated well and I can’t wait to try it. The overall value was $53 USD, not bad for $10!

Here is the eyeliner and eye shadow swatched.

ipsy-dec-2016-glam-bag-swatch

The bag is super cute too, and could be used as a wristlet. It’s fuchsia with a metallic handle and pony faux fur. Sorry it’s sideways.

ipsy-dec-2016-glam-bag-wristlet

 

What did you get in your Ipsy December bag?  Thanks for stopping by.

Cover Your Gray-Fill-In Powder

I was looking for a quick gray cover up as my husband and I were headed for a festival.  I have blonde hair with a decent amount of silver.  I picked this up on a recent trip to Ulta.  I have a similar product by Joan Rivers called Great Hair Day. I had a 20% off coupon that expired today.  This product was $11.99, and I paid $9.59. I purchased light brown/blonde.

The description says this instantly fills in thinning areas, and it does. It contains Procapil which targets the main causes of alopecia: poor scalp micro-circulation, follicle ageing and follicle atrophy caused by dihydrotestosterone.

This is a brush on powder that looks like eye shadow, and includes a brush. You dab it on your gray roots. It works fairly well. It’s great for any areas that are thinning. It does make your hair feel a bit dry, and it stays on well.

The photo is taken outdoors so you can see how well it covers.

I have a funky hairline, and this helps to fill it in.  I would definitely purchase it again.

Cover your gray fill-in powder

 

Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast

First off let me say I was super excited to try this new product.  I love their Perfect Hair Day Dry shampoo.  I picked the Full Dry Volume Blast up today at Ulta.  The salesperson had to get it from the back, as it’s not coming out until tomorrow.  I was so anxious to try it, I didn’t get the free gift that comes with it.

It’s suppose to give you instant, lasting volume and texture. All it gave me was a rat’s nest.

What a ginormous disappointment. I have naturally curly hair that I usually straighten.  As I’ve been going through menopause, my hair has really changed. My hair is very fine, and dry to begin with.  I need volume like crazy, but this product blows.  While it did add some volume, it made my hair feel like straw. I couldn’t even get my fingers through my hair. I feel like I have a bale of hay on my head.  I went outside and it basically fell and frizzed out. I’m washing it out tomorrow.

It’s $29 for 7.5 ounces.  Maybe it might work on a different type of hair, but it didn’t do a darn thing for me.

Ulta Salon Review

I’ve been shopping at Ulta since they first came to town. I only recently started going to the salon. Taleah at the Waukesha, WI

Haircut 6-24-16 Before front

Before-frizzy mess

Haircut 6-24-16 After Front

After-smooth and pretty

Haircut 6-24-16 Taleah info

Awesome stylist!

Haircut 6-24-16 Before back

OMG! Before

Haircut 6-24-16 After

Wow! After

location is an amazing stylist. I have course, naturally curly hair, and she makes my hair look amazing. If you become a rewards member you will get coupons, freebies coupons, etc. sent directly to your email. I have gotten some amazing freebies lately just for being a rewards member. If you see Taleah, just mention that Stacy sent you and you will get $10 off your salon service! The phone number is 262-574-0387. Taleah works convenient hours Tues-Friday 10-6, and 12-8. This young woman is only 24, but she has some amazing talent. http://www.ulta.com/

Way to go Ulta and Taleah! Keep up the great work!

#ultapinkover

Ulta is currently having a Cut A Thon for Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Today from 11-6 you can get a haircut for $10, and a facial for $10.  I went first thing this morning. Loved my facial and haircut.  If you post anything pink with the #ultapinkover hashtag, Ulta will donate $1 for breast cancer research.

Thank you and happy Sunday!  www.ulta.comUlta photo

25 Tips for Never Having a Bad Hair Day Again

Good hair day 9-13-15I came across this article when I was looking for something  else on my lap top.  Great tips for good hair days.

If it were up to us, everyone would have a good hair day every day. Granted, we can’t all have our own personal glam squads following us around (and for most of us, such things don’t exist), but it’d be nice to walk out our front door every day feeling like we just stepped out of a hair commercial. Alas, we can’t have perfect hair all the time, but we can make sure one thing happens: Never having a bad hair day.

Because bad hair days are the worst, we’ve pulled together 25 tips to help you never have a bad one again. Read on below!

1. Plan ahead on days when you know you need to look especially presentable. Have an interview on Tuesday morning? Wash and style your hair the night before so that you’ll only need minimal touch-ups in the morning.

2. To tame flyaways, spray a toothbrush with hairspray then gently brush your hair into place. The light application of hairspray will give you hold without it being so stiff.

3. Invest in a good shampoo and conditioner combo. Much like your foundation, good hair starts at the beginning. If you use a quality shampoo and conditioner, you’re giving yourself a head start.

4. Learn how to do a sock bun. Even on your worst hair days, concealing your hair in a sock bun will give you a finished, classy look.

5. Carry dry shampoo with you wherever you go. Keep one in your purse, one in your bathroom, one at your desk and one more wherever you spend a ton of time. Dry shampoo is like an instant root lift and shower in one.

6. Keep up with your salon appointments. Trimming your dead ends on a regular basis will keep your look consistently refreshed, meaning you’ll never have to worry about your ends making the rest of your hair look bad.

7. Know your hair type. If you’ve got oily hair, the products you use should compliment that, not make it worse. The same goes for dry hair. Be sure you’re using the correct products for a dry scalp.

8. Always use a heat protectant. Forgetting to use it once is fine, but if you’re flat ironing your hair on a regular basis with no form of protection, your hair will become fried, leading to more bad hair days than good.

9. Utilize the cool setting on your blow dryer. While heat styles hair, cool air sets it. Spending 20 minutes blow drying your hair can go to complete waste if you don’t set the blowout with colder air.

10. Consider taking biotin or fish oil supplements. Typically used when girls want their hair to grow, these supplements help bring strength and shine to your hair on a regular basis.

11. Never be without bobby pins. Some mornings when you leave your house your hair can look amazing, and then a rainstorm hits. To make sure you’re never without bobby pins, stash 10 or so in the coin purse of your wallet.

12. Know what kind of maintenance you can handle before you get a cut. Those long bobs that are everywhere now? They take some work if your hair’s natural texture doesn’t work with the cut. The lowest maintenance hair is long, layered cuts. Short hair requires styling just about every day.

13. Find a headband that goes with everything. Whether you wear mostly black, brown, white or otherwise, find a simple, plain headband that can be used to jazz up your hair on a morning when you’ve got no time and a big hair problem.

14. Learn three hairstyles you can do in under five minutes. Whether it’s twisting hair back from each temple and securing into a bun, a fishtail braid or a sleek ponytail, having go to styles in your hair arsenal will cut down on stress when your tresses just won’t behave.

15. Go for deep conditioning. It doesn’t need to be at the salon, or even very frequent, but especially if you’re heat styling your hair, a deep conditioning treatment will help keep moisture in your strands, which will keep your hair looking healthy.

16. Use product before you style your hair. If you’re curling your hair, apply mousse first. If you’re straightening it, use a balm. For blowouts, use a spray. Applying a product before you style gives the end result a way longer chance of lasting, so you can either do your hair less frequently or just rest easy knowing your hair will make it through an entire day.

17. Get yourself a good serum. If you’ve got fine hair or thick hair, look for serums specifically formulated for your type. Frizz, dryness and generally unruly hair can be tamed with serum.

18. Unless you absolutely need to, don’t wash your hair every day. Shampooing hair every day can dry out your strands and, if you’ve got color treated hair, fade your color much more quickly.

19. Get into a routine. For ladies who never have a set time to do their hair, it may always seem like a chore. But, if you know that you’ll always be doing your hair every other night of the week, you’ll be less likely to get lazy about it.

20. Research styling tools before you buy. There’s a world of difference between a good blow dryer and an awful one, and learning which is which before the purchase is key.

21. Make sure you’re going to a good hairdresser. If you’re wasting your money on a bad cut, you’ll also be wasting your time on trying to style it so that it looks good.

22. Try a DIY hair mask at home to put some shine and hydration into your strands. For a fraction of the cost of a salon, you can treat your tresses to some major TLC.

23. Drink tons of water. Hydration starts at the inside out, and keeping your body hydrated will help your hair stay healthy.

24. Use a wide-tooth comb when hair is wet and a brush when hair is dry. Brushing wet hair causes major breakage, which can leave your hair looking dry and unhealthy.

25. Try texturizing spray. Textured hair (or dirty hair) is much easier to work with because it holds style better. On days when your hair needs to be put in a braid, bun or ponytail, the style will hold all day long if you use a spray first.