Top 5 Friday:Voluminous Blowout Essentials

 

For those of you who need a voluminous blowout, here are your must have Top 5 essentials.

T3 Featherweight Professional Dryer

1. Blow Dryer

We all become attached to our dryers over time and do not replace them as often as we should. We use our dryers until they "burn out".  This can damage your hair as you should replace filters regularly.   An alternative is a higher performance dryer that will last over time.  I recommend T3 Featherweight Professional Dryer.  It is a little costly but it comes with replacement filters and has a two year warranty.  The dryer is lightweight, quiet, and dries hair 60% faster than other dryers.  It is healthier for your hair and leaves it with a silky touch and sheen without frizz.  You will be amazed at how much it cuts down your drying time. I simply could not live without my T3 and I recommend it to everyone.  Beware, this dryer can get extremely hot so you constantly have to keep your hands and brush moving to avoid exposure to skin and scalp.  It is available at Nordstrom and select beauty stores.  (If you prefer a less expensive alternative, be sure to look for two specific descriptions when shopping for a dryer, "ion" and "ceramic".  These will ensure your dryer will leave your hair soft and silky without drying it out or causing frizz.) 

Tool Science Nano Silver Round Brush

  

2. Round Filtered Brush

A round brush is essential for a voluminous blowout.  As with any type of blowout, you should use a filtered brush as this helps leave no piece of hair untouched, leading to a faster blowout.  I recommend Tool Science Nano Silver Round Brush.  It eliminates frizz and adds great volume.  What I love most about using this brush is the gripped handle.  It is great for all hair lengths (I used mine when I my hair was 18" long and I currently use it for my bob haircut).  The brand offers a variety of flat filtered brushes as well.  This brush is available at Sally Beauty Supply. (Always remember to clean and wash your brush once a week with antibacterial soap and warm water to prevent buildup.) 

Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy Anti-Breakage Serum

3. Moisturizing Leave-In

Keeping your hair hydrated is very important, especially if you are treating it with heat.  You should always use a leave in treatment on wet/damp hair to protect during a blowout.  I recommend Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy Anti-Breakage Serum.  This organic leave-in serum, leaves hair silky soft with no buildup or oily residue.  You only need a dime size amount unless you have thicker/coarser hair then I recommend twice as much.  The bottle lasts a long time and not only does it keep your hair protected, it adds protein and smells amazing!  It is available at most drugstores and Ulta.  You can view the full line of Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy here. 

Aveda Volumizing Tonic

4.  Volume Spray

How do you expect to amp up your volume without a volumizing spray?  It is important to look for root volumizing sprays using natural products.  These sprays will keep from drying out your scalp and creating flakes.  I recommend Aveda Volumizing Tonic.  Spray this tonic on your roots and it will create volume like you have never seen.  This spray smells amazing and does not create any residue on  your scalp or hair.  It creates a natural volume wherever you spray it.  It is available at any Aveda salon. 

Salon Care Super Clips

5.  Separating Clips

You need to section your hair when performing any type of blowout.  Using clips without teeth is best to prevent hair breakage.  I recommend Salon Care Super Clips. I love the multi color metal clips with no teeth or exposed springs to snag your hair on.  They hold hair smoothly in place without breakage.  They are available at Sally Beauty Supply. 

There you have it, the Top 5 Voluminous Blowout Essentials.  I am sure your results will be as good as mine.  Have a Beauty-full Friday!

Top 5 Friday: Lip Balms

It's that time again, Top 5 Friday!  This week I listed my top five lip balms.  During the winter months, it is very important to keep your lips hydrated.  I always carry a few of these products in my purse at all times.  Scarlett Johansson wears lip balm over her lipstick to keep her lips moisturized while on the red carpet.  If you want to make your lips fuller, you can also lightly brush your lips with your toothbrush before applying lip balm.  This brushes away dead skin cells and activates the blood cells in your lips, making them appear fuller and a bit flushed. 

1. Nivea: A Kiss of Milk & Honey

This is my must have lip balm.  I carry one in my purse and keep another next to my bed.  I love the soft smell of honey and it makes my lips soft and silky.  This lip balm is available at any local drugstore (I buy mine at Target) for a few dollars or you can buy a variety pack of three Nivea lip balms at Ulta for $5.99. 

2. C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve

This is my second must have.  I keep this salve handy in my purse for any occasion.  The salve can be used for everything from elbows to hands to feet to lips.  It is a great product and a little goes a long way.  It has a very soft hint of rose aroma and super slick with a tiny bit of shine.  You can purchase this salve at Bath and Body Works for $5.50. 

3.  LUSH Sweet Lips Lip Scrub

Do not be fooled by the words scrub.  This "scrub" is also an amazing lip moisturizer.  You put a little scrub all over your lips, then use your fingertips to scrub.  Then you simply lick your lips, yes that is right, it is completely edible!  It takes like sugar with a hint of chocolate and makes lips soft.  This fresh made product is all natural so the jojoba oil naturally moisturizes your lips.  It is a great thing to keep in your bathroom cabinet to use in the morning or at night before bed.  You only need a very small amount and you can purchase it at LUSH for $8.95.   It is also available in a bubble gum flavor and mint flavor.

4.  Labello Strawberry Lip Balm

Every time I travel to Europe, I stock up on Labello.  This particular one is my favorite.  It gives a subtle tint of red with an amazing strawberry flavor.  Keep this one hidden from your friends because everyone will want to have it.  It is available on Amazon.com for $3.99.

5.  Yes to Carrots Lip Tint

I am not normally crazy about a lip tint, but this one stole my heart.  The lip tint is 95% organic, and paraben free.  My favorite shade is now discontinued but they offer a variety of shades.  The greatest thing about this lip tint is that it has a hint of mint flavor.  They are available at your local drugstore (again I buy mine at Target).  You can also purchase them from Yes to Carrots for $4.49 each.  




There you have it my top five lip balms.  Try a few and let me know what you think.  Happy Friday the 13th everyone!

Top 5 Friday: Shampoos

 

I am constantly asked by friends and family about what products I use.  Everything from hair care to moisturizers to cosmetics.  Every Friday I will be posting my Top 5 of a particular product.  Shampoo is a great place to start.  I am a world traveler so a few items are international but are still available online.  Here we go.

1. One 'n Only Argan Oil Moisture Repair Shampoo

My current obsession is this amazing shampoo infused with Argan oil. For those who are not familiar with Argan oil, it is derived from the Moroccan Argan Tree. The oil, moisturizes your hair without the added weight.  This particular shampoo is sulfate free and leaves your hair silky smooth after just one wash.  The smell is better than any other Argan oil shampoo I have come across.  It is also safe for color treated hair as it leaves your hair soft with no buildup or extra oil.  You only need to use a small amount so it is a great value at around $10.  I purchase this shampoo at a local Sally Beauty Supply but it is also available at your local Ulta.   




2.  Schwarzkopf Bonacure Q10 Time Restore Shampoo
Ok I know that you are puzzled why a mature hair shampoo made number two on my list.  This shampoo will change every thought you have ever had about your hair.  The website claims, "Q10-PLUS-COMPLEX stimulates the production of vital keratins that would otherwise have been lost over time hair - making true beauty timeless."  It transcends that statement.  A few years ago, I realized my hair was not growing as fast or thick as it did in my youth.  It puzzled me, I am in my twenties and my hair was slowly thinning and growing at a slower rate.  I saw this shampoo at a beauty store in the local mall.  I am a very big fan of any Schwarzkopf products and when I realized it is supposed to stimulate growth, I thought I should give it a try.  Not only does it make your hair grow faster, but it is a great moisturizing and thickening shampoo!  This is also great after removing extensions because it helps to regrow the hair you lost.  It is available on Amazon.com and at specialty salons.   

3.  Schwarzkopf Gliss Kur Liquid Silk Gloss Shampoo
Five years ago, on one of my many trips to Germany, I forgot to pack conditioner.  When my best friend took me to the market to find a conditioner, I stumbled upon this brand.  I must admit that at the time I picked it for its soft gentle aroma but I soon came to realize it is an amazing moisturizing shampoo.  The smell leaves your hair perfumed but not with an overpowering scent.  The scent is reminiscent of a grown up version of baby powder.  It leaves your hair silky soft but is also suitable for fine hair.  This particular type of shampoo by Schwarzkopf is not readily available in the United States, however it is available on Amazon.com if you are lucky enough to acquire a bottle before they sell out on a weekly basis. 

4. Frederic Fekkai Essential Shea Shampoo
Frederic Fekkai is a genius.  My younger sister will tell you that I have sworn by this shampoo for years! I am always on the lookout for moisturizing shampoos that do not weigh the hair down.  This is top notch!  The smell is great, you only need a small amount to silken your tresses and the immediate change in your hair texture will impress you.  If you have never tried a Fekkai product, you do not know what you are missing.  All of the products and lines by Fekkai are amazing.  I also recommend the Brilliant Glossing Shampoo for a little more shine and the Protein Rx Reparative Shampoo for those tresses that need a little extra love.  This shampoo is available by various retailers, including Ulta and Nordstrom.

5. Henna Egipcia Shampoo
While on a weekend trip to Mexico this past summer, I was so excited to scour the supermarket for beauty products.  This is my tradition when I visit any country, I want to know what products they offer that are not available in the United States.  I came across this shampoo.  It comes in different types for different hair colors.  Being a blonde, my particular bottle is "Dorado".  The smell is amazing and it really leaves my hair moisturized and glossy.  It makes my tresses soft without any buildup.  This product is made and sold in Mexico but can also be purchased online at Amazon.com.  They sell out fast and the colors vary but if your color is sold out, keep checking back for new stock.



I recommend not using a single type of shampoo for more than two months.  After around two months, your hair will not respond to a particular shampoo the same way it did in the beginning.  This is why I like to keep three types of shampoo to use in rotation to keep my hair fresh and new.  I hope my list was helpful and I look forward to your feedback!