Showing posts with label hair. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hair. Show all posts

3.20.2014

current obsession // Balayage Ombre


 I used to think of "ombre" as this...


http://www.sloanbook.com/2011/07/ombre-hair-disaster-help.html 


or this...



Ombre don't! The two colors don't blend - there are distinct line of demarkation between the two colors!


or this... (oh Drew..)
http://www.google.com/imgres?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=sb&biw=1252&bih=545&tbm=isch&tbnid=crBfcnXkBgtfLM%3A&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.beautyriot.com%2Fhairstyles%2Fcelebrity-hairstyle-disasters-g8691-page4&docid=8XTJgsL9octawM&imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.beautyriot.com%2Fphotos%2Fgalleries%2Fceleb-hair-disasters-08.jpg&w=300&h=400&ei=AQ8rU92tHebg2QWb5oCgBw&zoom=1&ved=0COsCEIQcMFQ&iact=rc&dur=1974&page=5&start=82&ndsp=21 



or THIS...



http://www.google.com/imgres?start=275&client=firefox-a&hs=fng&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=sb&biw=1252&bih=545&tbm=isch&tbnid=GFt-ZAwj3lu1RM%3A&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sloshspot.com%2Fblog%2F02-14-2011%2FAmazing-Mugshots-of-Normal-People-405%2F5&docid=0KiK2dWq1pVYTM&imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sloshspot.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F01%2F05-Amazing-Mugshots-of-Normal-People-Ombre-Gone-Wrong.jpg&w=620&h=620&ei=fwwrU4vsCKGU2gXfqIGQAw&zoom=1&ved=0CIICEIQcMFM4yAE&iact=rc&dur=2037&page=15&ndsp=21


LOL.  Okay, maybe not that last one.  It was just too amazing to not include though.  Anyhow, because of this, I vowed that I would NEVER try out this trend.  I just can't believe anyone would think this looks good.

Well since then, I have realized that not all ombre looks this ridiculous.  When done correctly it can look like this...
Perfect!! This will be my next hair color! I want this so bad!!
Pretty.  Nice job LC.

Still a bit too much contrast for my normally all-over-high&low-light self, but nice.  It wasn't until a week or so ago, that I found my happy medium...

Balayage Ombre.  Now my current obsession...

Balayage - NOUN : A technique for highlighting the hair in which the dye is painted freehand rather than using the traditional foiling or cap highlighting techniques, usually giving a more natural look

+

Ombre - ADJ : shaded or graduated in tone

So basically its a graduated, but blended, hair look created from nonuniform painted highlights.

This way you don't get that "dipped" look, that's just so NOT fabulous.

I thought I'd share some of my favorites. Enjoy!


love

GRADUATED BALAYAGE OMBRE BY GUY TANG 

"balayage ombre" 
 
High Contrast Balayage Ombre by Guy Tang 
Balayage ombre 
Obsessed with the balayage technique!
And what a beautiful rose gold effect for red heads...
Guy Tang - rose gold hair balayage 

I guess what I like most is that you can't see where the highlights come from, which gives a super natural and soft look.  

So after about 5 years of the same thing, maybe it's time for a bit of a change??  We shall see... At the moment I'm letting my roots grow out a bit to see what it might be like.  And luckily I have a great colorist, so the line isn't too harsh as it is.

You can check out all of my inspiration on my Beauty Pinterest board, unless you already follow me.  In that case, you already got barraged with all my balayage ombre pics over this past week.  :}  

Oh, and any advice is greatly appreciated!!













2.18.2014

review // Alba Botanica Natural Hawaiian Shampoo & Conditioner - Drink It Up Coconut Milk


I'd been using my Carol's Daughter Shampoo & Conditioner for a while until I saw that my local Target was having a sale on their Alba Botanica products.  I was down to the last drips and drabs of my Carol's Daughter products and so I thought, why not give these a go?  I picked up the Drink It Up Coconut Milk shampoo & conditioner.

I've never specifically tried any Alba products before, but I've known that they were another company providing "natural, 100% vegetarian personal care products, [meaning they] DON'T use parabens, sulfates, or phthalates and don't test on animals."  Exactly what I search for in my beauty products. You can read more about Alba Botanica here.


PACKAGING

These shampoo & conditioner come in 12 oz. plastic bottles.  They seem substantial and sturdy...almost a bit too hard to squeeze.  But not impossible.  I've been using them for over 4 months (leaving them in the shower) and they don't leak and the plastic has had no issues with cracking....although the wrapper on the conditioner has wrinkled a bit.  I read on their website that their bottles are now 100% Post Consumer Resin, which greatly reduces their carbon emissions (perhaps that's why it's so sturdy?).

 PRODUCT

 The Shampoo has a clear loose, gel-like consistency and lathers okay.  Especially, compared to others I've tried.  The conditioner is white with more of a thick, creamy consistency.  The website lists their key benefits:

High in fatty acids and protein, coconut milk seals in moisture to strengthen and reduce split ends & breakage. Aloe, calendula and tropical oils nourish and protect from daily stress while also protecting from heat styling (conditioner).  

 I usually lather, rinse and repeat just to get rid of any hair product buildup.  After rinsing, my hair feels clean, but not straw-like or "squeaky".  Since this is a moisturizing formula and I have thin hair, I apply the conditioner just from my ears to my ends.  After rinsing the conditioner out, my hair feels silky not not heavy.  And after I style, my ends still feel moisturized.  But the BEST thing about this stuff is the SMELL.  Amazing.  They both smell like the most delicious piƱa colada you've ever had.  Or to me it smells just like our honeymoon in St. Lucia.  Their signature rum punch and the body care products in our suite smelled identical.  {SIGH}  So nice...


PRICING

$ out of $$$
 I based this off of the original $10.50 price, which I think is a great value since you get 12oz.  Me getting them for 15% off was just a bonus!


PURCHASING

You can purchase Alba Botanica on their website, at Target, most drugstores, amazon and many other health stores and websites.


 CONCLUSION

 I really liked this shampoo and conditioner and will probably continue to purchase it (mostly because I love the scent) but also as a nice moisturizing option between my other products.  I think it might be a bit too moisturizing for all the time on my fine hair, so maybe I'll try another line like their Body Builder Mango.  My selection was a bit limited and they didn't have this one at Target when I was there, but it sounds more up my alley.  

One thing is for sure, they ALL sounds like they smell glorious!



 

1.21.2013

The Beauty Benefits of..... Apple Cider Vinegar


from here

Oh, it can be used for much more than just dressing salads, my friends.  This cheap, all-natural kitchen staple can help make you b-e-a-utiful.  It's been used for centuries for a variety of things, but lately I've been using it as a all-natural hair conditioner and facial toner... and I though I'd share!

 Harsh soaps and chemical-laden shampoos strip hair and skin of its natural oils, which leaves you feeling dry all over (this can sometimes cause an overproduction of natural oils to make up for the dryness -- no good!).  Apple Cider Vinegar, with it's ideal acidity level, counteracts that process and actually balances your skin and hair's natural pH levels.  
Now, you need to make sure that you get the good stuff though. Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (ORACV) has the most benefits, due to it's inclusion of 'mother'.  Mother is a dark, cloudy, foam that contains many minerals and trace elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon and fluorine, all vital for body health.  I know, I know, it doesn't sound very pretty, but the effects of using it will be.  I've been using Tree of Life Raw Organic ACV, but there are many great brands out there.  You can find them at most health food stores and some grocers.


Natural Hair Conditioner Rinse
 
from here
 
  Months ago, I learned that ORACV can be used as a rinse for hair, so I've been using it once or twice a week since then.  It removes product buildup, which clarifies hair and increases body. It also closes the hair cuticle so light reflects off of it...giving way to super shiny locks!  It's like a hair recharger.  

To relive smoother hair days, mix the equal parts ORACV and water together. After shampooing, pour the mixture into your hair.  If you have a spray bottle, that works even better. Massage it into your scalp. Let the apple cider vinegar sit for a few minutes before rinsing fully with water. You can finish with a light conditioning, but there's really no need to use conditioner. The apple cider vinegar will leave hair feeling smooth and soft.


Natural Facial Toner

from here

  About two weeks ago, I started using ORACV as a morning and night toner.  I heard somewhere (unfortunately, I can't remember) that it is good at combating acne and discoloration (both of which I had at the time).  Also, because skin is naturally acidic, ORACV can help restore your skin's natural pH balance, leaving it at an optimum level between oily and dry.  So far it has cleared up my small blemishes in record time (days instead of a week or more) and I feel it has even lightened some of my darker freckles and lessened my ruddiness.  All wins, yippee!
  
To use as a daily toner, mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water (I like distilled).  If you have really sensitive skin, you may want to dilute the solution further.  After naturally cleansing morning and night, I squirt a bit of the mixture on a cotton round and smooth all over my face.  This will leave a light layer on the skin, locking in moisture.  Don't worry, the vinegar smell will dissipate after a few minutes.  To finish,  I lightly moisturize with Jojoba oil.

(Always remember to do a skin test first to make sure your skin is not too sensitive -- even with an extra diluted version. Place a small amount on your neck and leave it on for 15 minutes. If you do not see any reaction then you can apply it directly to your face.)

________________________


These are the two ways I use ORACV right now, but below are other interesting uses that I found...some that I can't wait to try!

For Sunburn Relief  //  Add a cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath, and soak for 10 minutes.

As a Natural Aftershave (for the guys)  //  Fill a bottle with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and shake before applying to the face. 

To Reduce Allergies and Illness  //  Research suggests that ORACV can help with allergies because of its ability to reduce mucous and sinus congestion. When reducing the effects of allergies, it can also help stave off sinus infections and their related symptoms (sore throats and headaches).  Drink at least 2 tablespoons mixed with 8 oz of water daily.  You can also add a tablespoon of organic honey or stevia if it tastes too bitter for you. **

As a remedy for bad breath  //  Due to its antiseptic properties, it makes a wonderful remedy for bad breath or halitosis. Simply add 2 teaspoons of ORACV into a cup of water and gargle the mixture in your mouth for 10 seconds at a time and spit the solution out. Repeat until the cup is empty.  

To Eliminate Body Odor  //  It can help adjust the skin's pH level which helps to eliminate odor-causing bacteria. For armpit odor, simply wipe them once each morning with undiluted apple cider vinegar (using a cotton ball). For foot odor, fill a pan with warm water and add 1/3 cup of ACV, then let your feet soak in this mixture for 15 minutes once per week.

 To Alleviate Heartburn  //  Mix 2 tablespoons ORACV in 8 oz of water, taken three times a day before meals. **

AND EVEN As Flea Prevention on Pets  // A mix of one part vinegar and one part water can be sprayed on your pets fur and rubbed in generously to the skin. Saturate the entire coat, and continue every day for a few days to a week. Any flea infestation should vanish. 

Feel free you send me an email or post a comment below with any questions.  

How do you use your Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar?





**Please consult a physician if you are taking any prescription medications or if you have any serious ailments, 
before starting any oral ORACV regimen.  

12.12.2012

review // Carol's Daughter MONOI Repairing Kit

So, I planned to begin a series of reviews on more natural beauty products with the first ones I tried (Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps) way back when, but I've been trying out the Carol's Daughter MONOI Repairing Kit and it's just SO great that I can't not share right away. 
check it out !

This product line's ingredients may not be as natural as my skin care regimen, but it definitely has more natural ingredients than most other hair products out there.  It has No Parabens, No Petroleum, No Mineral Oil, and No Artificial Colors.  The best part about this system, besides being more natural, is that it really works.

I have fine, highlighted and color treated locks.  Because of this I can end up with brittle hair.  I've gotten good at moisturizing and protecting it before I use heat tools, but the brittleness is still pretty inevitable. I have found okay traditional shampoos and conditioners that have helped repair the damage, but I am constantly searching for naturals ones...always trying to avoid chemicals if possible.  I bought this kit at my local Sephora with a $20 gift certificate I received in the mail...so I only paid $4 for it!!  Even without a discount, this kit is reasonably price enough to try it out.  Plus, with Sephora, if you don't like it once you try it or it gives you (God forbid) a crazy reaction, you can return it for a full refund**.

This start-up kit claims to "prevent breakage by 96%, for stronger, longer, invincible hair."  It contains straightening Monoi Oil - an ancient recipe made from the Tahitian Tiare Gardenia and Coprah Coconut Oil (YUM!) - to help repair fine, chemically-treated, or over-stressed brittle hair.  
Yes, Please!  

The set contains: 


  • Monoi Repairing Shampoo, 2 fl oz
  • Monoi Repairing Conditioner, 2 fl oz
  • Monoi Repairing Hair Mask, 2 oz



  • I've shown a picture of all three above, with a quarter, so you can get a sense of the sizes.  They seems small, but after 4 uses I still have 80% of each product left.  Obviously, how fast you go through it will depend on how much product you use each time, hair type, etc.  I still think it's a good amount to let you know if you like the products or not. 

    The first time I tried this system, about two weeks ago, I couldn't believe how much healthier my hair felt, wet and dry.  I'll be honest, the shampoo takes some getting used to.  Since it doesn't suds up like regular shampoos, you need a bit more product to saturate the hair...I gently massage the shampoo around just my scalp and that seems to work best.  My advice...don't scrub, scrub, scrub like with a regular poo...you'll end up with a tangled mess.  Even if you don't, it may still feel a bit tangled, but once you apply the conditioner and then the repairing mask (it has magical properties)...it's smooth silkiness.  You'll get the hang of it after a couple tries.  


    I've also noticed that I can go about three days without washing my hair now (only could do two before).  I don't have really oily hair in the first place, but it definitely used to start looking a bit yuck after the second day.  Maybe it's evening out my oil production...?  I'm not really sure.  All I know is that my hair is still fine, but now feels fuller, bouncier and shinier (naturally!) than ever before.  Thank you Carol's Daughter.





    ** The product cannot be used up and I believe it must be within a certain time frame.  Check with your local Sephora for exact return details.