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Tuesday, March 31, 2015

A Better Blow Dry?

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Does a better (more expensive) blow dryer give you better results? Up until recently I had never tested this question.

I have always been a cheap blow dryer girl ($30 or less). They would usually last me a year and then I'd get a new one... usually as a Christmas gift.

Then this last Christmas, Oscar went above and beyond to get me a more expensive blow dryer. I was unsure at first but now after using it for a solid 3 months now, I think I'm ready to give it a full review.

The blow dryer I am now using is the Babyliss Titanium Portofino Dryer from Ulta. The listed price is $139.95, but if you can wait for a 20% off deal it's better!

Behind: Revlon Flat Iron (find here)
When I first used the blow dryer, I used it solely like I've used my old ones in the past. I use medium heat on a high setting. This guy is definitely more powerful than anything I've used before, it was like being in a wind tunnel. Of course, this power leads to a quicker dry time on your hair, a little less fluff, and a little more shine!

Then, I started messing with the settings and I think I've got the perfect combination!

I start on the medium heat/high setting for drying near my roots/front/back of hair. Then I flip my head upside down and turn the heat to high and choose a medium power setting. This I use to fully dry the rest of my head. Then, finally, I flip my head back up, choose a part and use the same high heat setting to smooth out the hair and style the front bits.

I have noticed the most difference with this method. A) I get fewer tangles and B) my hair dries really quickly C) my hair is incredibly soft after!

Overall, I feel that my hair is less frizzy and more healthy and shiny after using this blow dryer. I think the combination of high heat and more power help speed up the drying process and therefore do less damage to your hair.

Here is my hair after using the blow dryer (sorry no pictures with my old one)



I am loving my new blow dryer and really hope it lasts for years to come!

If upgrading your blow dryer is not in the cards for you - I would suggest using a heat protectant to lessen the damage to your hair. And if necessary (I always found it necessary) use an argan oil or other shine product after to give your hair shine and conditioning.

Hope you all have a great week!

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Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Get the Look: Spring Wishlist

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Get the Look: Spring Wishlist



The 5th installment of Get the Look is all about what I'm dreaming of for this Spring! It's been a while since I've done one of these but I think it was the perfect time. Normally I'm not a springtime person and don't get excited. But maybe because of the blistering cold we just had, I'm really feeling it this year! (Except for this new allergy thing I got going on, but it'll go away...right?)

So first, I have been trying to get back into working out and losing weight. Though stymied by my eye problems, I still have hopes of dropping some pounds. And my favorite thing to wear when I'm feeling good, body-wise, is jeans and t-shirts. I am really into boyfriend jeans for their slouchy, comfortable look, but a darker wash still keeps 'em classy!

I've been desperately needing to purchase some new glasses so this Spring is it, I'm gonna take the plunge. I would really like to get some comfy casual plastic frames, and I'm always a lover of tortoise shell.

I'd also like some new sunglasses, although I think they might have to wait. But I really like this smaller rounder trend that's been happening. I'm really over the sunglasses that cover half your face and weigh a pound... although that's what I'm currently sporting :)

Flats have been my goto shoes for a while now, and I think a great way to update for spring is with a little room to breath, and stripes! I love that these shoes are a neutral but still fun with the striped pattern and would look cute with jeans, dresses, or pants!

Also with Spring comes brighter and lighter nail polishes. I really like Zoya polishes as they are free from the big 5 (chemicals that are no bueno!) and they have an amazing range of colors. This year, I am really liking the pastel colors.

Finally, and maybe my favorite Spring update is this bucket bag from Express. I need a bag that I can easily wear over-the-shoulder or cross-body when I want to pack light. I really love the creamy color of this bag and think I could get some great use out of it!

Well that's my wishlist for items to update my wardrobe with this Spring. What are you wanting/needing in your Spring update?

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Tuesday, March 17, 2015

March Ipsy Bag

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Hello all! It's finally feeling like spring here, finally. Which made it all the more exciting to get my springtime Ipsy Glam Bag. I will be honest, although I enjoy getting the bag each month, I haven't loved most of the products, so this was one of the last few bags I was going to give a chance.

But it was a good bag, so I guess I'll remain a subscriber a while longer :) Below is what showed up to the door in my March Ipsy Glam Bag.


Chella (3rd swatch)
Ivory Lace Highlighter
This may be the biggest flop for me in the bag... granted I haven't tried it really but that's my first impression. This is a very thick and chalky highlighter and it's a little dark for the uber-fair like myself. I'll give a try though and report back if I like it.

Coolway
Glow Oil Treatment
This product looks cool. The packaging says you can use it on wet hair to help protect it from heat and you can use it after to add silkiness and shine. Sounds good to me!

Pixi by Petra (top 2 swatches)
Mesmerizing Mineral Duo - Apricot Glow
I wore this today and I really love the warm golden shimmer shade and the slightly reddish copper brown. They're beautifully smooth and buttery and lasted really well throughout the day.

Crown Brush
Oval Concealer Brush
I don't know about concealer, but this brush was really nice to pack on shimmery shades on the lid!

NYX Cosmetics (Bottom swatch)
Butter Lipstick - Pops
As you may or may not know I'm not a lipstick/gloss/stain kind of person. But oddly enough this was one of the only lipsticks I own already. It's a my lips but better shade in a browny-pink color. It is nice and doesn't dry out the lips, just not really my thing.



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Tuesday, March 3, 2015

January Favorites 2015

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Well another month has come and gone... and I have to admit I'm looking forward to warmer weather and less snow and cold! I love the winter up until Christmas and then I'm over it, so now I'm just feeling dreary.

But let's focus on the some of the positives from this month with my monthly favorites.


The Inner Guide 
2015 Planner
I've been using this planner daily to schedule in exercise, blogging, and other tasks. But more importantly, at the end of each week I go back through and fill out the sections on what I was grateful for that week, what were the areas of wellness I focused on, and I make notes on the week. I like to write how I was feeling, if I met all my goals, and overall what that week was like for me. So this planner has all become a goal book and journal for me. I'm really enjoying the intentional focus on my day-to-day life.

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil
Soft Brunette
This was a bit of a ___ purchase as it was $36. But, I had a gift card so I decided I deserved a little luxury, and I'm glad I did. I've seen the tiny eyebrow pencils in the store and thought they didn't look like they'd work for me (too much work). But when I saw this large triangular pencil nib I had to give it a try. I've been loving this pencil! It applies easily and softly and matches my eyebrows perfectly. I've been loving the way this makes my eyebrows look. Overall a great product, a little pricey, but it's been fun!


Jordana 12 hr Made to Last Liquid Eyeliner Pencil
Espresso Last
This is an extremely soft eyeliner pencil. When you put it on you have a short time to smudge it out then it sets and doesn't budge. It does last the full 12 hours, even on my greasy lids. Also, this product only costs a few dollars so you just can't beat it! I had to go out and buy a black one!

 Tarte Cheek Stain
Dreamer
I got this as part of a gift set this Christmas and I've been loving it for days when I want a more natural makeup look. I just swipe it on my cheeks and blend out with my fingers. I really love the natural looking flush it gives me and it lasts throughout the day.

Oscar Blandi (not cruelty-free)
Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray
Going cruelty-free for hair products such as dry shampoo and hairspray has been the hardest for me. I just can't find any readily available products; so occasionally I fall off the wagon and go rogue. This dry shampoo is really great, I love that it extends my hair washing! After using it, my hair looks clean and full of body. I've really been enjoying using this product!




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February Favorites 2015

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February has been a rough month for me but I was able to pull together all my favorites to share with you.

First off, here in Colorado the weather has been CRAZY this month! It's been warm 60's then it drops to freezing temps (5-12 degrees), then it snows, and then it happens all over again. This type of weather wreaks havoc on my body! I have been dry everywhere... my skin, my eyes, and my hair. I have had eye trouble all month, they've been so dry they feel like sandpaper and it's made it hard to work and keep my eyes open at all. Then my skin has been dry and itchy and my hair is frizz-city!

But despite all these issues, I managed to rustle up some of my favorites for you!

Columbia
Mighty Lite III Jacket
I have been searching for a light jacket that I can wear in cold weather or just chilly weather. I found this coat at the Outlet store and I fell in love! It is incredibly lite but oh so warm. I almost was worried the first day I wore it because it just doesn't feel like you have much on. There was nothing to worry about though. I think I'm going to get so much use out of this coat.

b.o.c
Peggy Leopard Clog
I call these the "Cutest Ugliest Shoes" because let me be honest they're not the most attractive shoes in the world. But I love them because they are incredibly comfortable, give me some height, and of course, they're leopard! I've worn these shoes shopping and to work and have found that my feet don't get sore as quickly as they do in my usual flats! I may (just may) have to go out and get some more, I may be shunned from the style and fashion community... but I wasn't all that in with them anyway!

Too Faced
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar Palette
If you read last week's post, you'll already know about my love affair with this palette. But the important highlights are: smooth blendability, beautiful colors, low fall-out, and beautiful eyes every time!

Pacifica
Natural Mineral Coconut Eye Shadow - Treasure
This has been my go-to eye shadow almost everyday in February... and January. It's got a nice sheen to it that gives it dimension on the lid but it's not too crazy.  I just how easy it is to put all over my lid and little into the crease. They color goes on quickly without too much fuss. It also lasts all day, even on my oily lids!



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