My hair is shoulder-length and has a wavy-to-curly texture. It tends to feel dry and look frizzy if I don't take care of it properly. My baby hairs (hereby referred to as "my babies") sometimes have a mind of their own.
I haven't seen my natural hair color since I started dying it in the 6th grade, but I believe it's a light ash brown. Over the last couple years, I spent a lot of money on salon color treatments and color prolonging products in hopes of getting it as close to natural as possible. A few months ago, I realized that I could achieve better results at home for a fraction of the price.
Daily Shampoo: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smoothing Shampoo
Daily Conditioner: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smoothing Conditioner
Leave-In Conditioner: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Heat Defense Leave-In Conditioner
Shine Serum: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smooth & Shine Serum
Dry Shampoo: Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo
In case you couldn't tell, I LOVE the relatively new Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion product line. It leaves my hair feeling silky and looking shiny.
Hairspray: L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray (Extra Strong Hold)
The bottle boasts "THE FINEST HAIRSPRAY USED BY THE FINEST STYLISTS". It also says "DISAPPEARS AT THE STROKE OF A BRUSH", which is absolutely true. I really like that it comes in a regular size and a travel size. The only thing I don't particularly like? The scent. However, I just saw that an Unscented version is now available. Can't wait to try it.
Clarifying Shampoo: Joico K-Pak Clarify Chelating Shampoo
My old hairstylist recommended this. I've started using it once every week or two, especially right before I color. It gets rid of oil, well water deposits, product build-up, chlorine, etc. Just be sure to follow up with a good deep conditioner.
Color: Clairol Natural Instincts Brass Free Brunettes in 6C Light Brown
I use this every five to six weeks. The key is to use a hair coloring brush and bowl to apply color to roots. Only pull color through to ends for the last couple minutes.
MAKEUP
My face and lips almost always feel dry, even in southern Maryland's crazy summer humidity.
I have fair skin with cool (read: pink) undertones. It never tans but it does freckle heavily when I spend time in the sun. My eyes are dark brown and I'm blessed with long, full lashes.
Skin Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting (Green Tint)
Eye Primer: Urban Decay Eyshadow Primer Potion
I only use primers for special occasions or big nights on the town. The Color Correcting Primer's green tint neutralizes my cool undertones. The Eyeshadow Primer Potion keeps my eye makeup firmly in place, even when I (accidentally!) sleep in it.
Foundation: L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup in C2 Natural Ivory
Powder: L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Powder in C2 Natural Ivory
The L'Oreal True Match line works well on my dry, sensitive skin. I really like that it comes in Cool, Neutral, and Warm shades.
Bronzer: NYC Sun 2 Sun Bronzing Powder in 719A Terracotta Tan
This bronzing powder has two shades in one compact. I use the darker shade on my cheekbones and the lighter shade on my forehead, nose, and chin.
Eyebrow Gel: Prestige Brow Perfection Revitalizing Clear Brow Gel
Like my babies, my brows can get unruly. This gel keeps them in place without feeling too stiff or sticky.
Eye Liner: Rimmel London Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil
I used to buy super cheapy eye liner pencils that would catch my eyelid as I used them. Then I found the Soft Kohl Kajal eye liner pencil. It always glides on smoothly.
Eye Shadow: Cover Girl Eye Enhancers, Rimmel London Colour Rush
Just like primers, I don't use eye shadow too often. These two brands offer a variety of shades. My favorites are the multi-color compacts.
Mascara: Maybelline Volum' Express One-by-One Waterproof in Blackest Black
I use this mascara every day because it never looks clumpy and it never smudges. I even trusted it on my wedding day.
Lip Gloss: Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss
This gloss is ultra shiny and comes in a variety of delicious flavors. My favorite is Minty Lip Shine because it's clear and cool and refreshing. My only complaint? Actually, my husband's complaint. It's a little too sticky for kissing.
NAILS
My fingernails have always been a source of disappointment. I broke my disgusting nail-biting habit a while ago, but I still find myself picking at my cuticles. My thumbs are usually the worst. On a more positive note, my toenails are in good shape.
Cuticle Dissolver: Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover
Fast Dry Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color
Bright Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color
Clear Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Hard as Wraps Acrylic Gel + Nylon
The Sally Hansen line is accessible and affordable and it works.
Nail Polish Remover: Onyx Professional 100% Acetone Nail Polish Remover
When I want my polish off, I want it off NOW. That's why I don't mess around with weak removers. 100% acetone gets the job done.
Artificial Nails: Broadway Nails Real Life in Real Short Length
Since my own nails aren't usually in great shape, I use Broadway Nails for special occasions. It takes about an hour to do a really careful job, but the result is a professional-looking manicure for only 5-6 bucks.
SKIN
As I mentioned before, my face and lips almost always feel dry. This goes for my body as well. On top of that, I'm somewhat sensitive to certain ingredients.
Exfoliant: St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub
I've been using this apricot scrub for as long as I can remember. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and smooth.
Facial Cleanser: Olay Total Effects 7 in One Nourishing Cream Cleanser
Body Wash: Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter
Facial Moisturizer: Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer with Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Facial Cream: Olay Complete All Day UV Moisture Cream for Sensitive Skin
Everyday Body Lotion: Olay Ultra Moisture Lotion with Shea Butter
My mom has always used Olay daily moisturizer and I started following in her footsteps back in middle school. When I got my first facial in February 2011, the facialist said I had some of the best skin she's ever seen. Her only suggestion was that I switch from a foaming cleanser to a cream cleanser. I now use Olay's cream cleanser and other skin products. I'll never stray.
Scented Body Lotion: Victoria's Secret Angel Touch Lotion in Heavenly
The Angel Touch lotion practically disappears on your skin, leaving it silky and scented. Perfect for date night.
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