Beauty Treats

A birthday trip to the mall included stops at Sephora, Macy's, and Aveda. For the first time in months, I absolutely adore every single item I got, and would dare say these products are HG worthy. It's always nice to treat yourself to some luxury beauty items, and even more satisfying when they work for your specific needs.

1. Aveda Pure Abundance Style Prep - "infuses all-day weightless volume". I used this on my damp hair after I washed it yesterday, and not only did it smooth my hair and made it feel super soft, it also did add some extra volume.

2. Chanel Natural Finish Pressed Powder - Okay, so I've always wanted a Chanel compact. My intent was really the mirror displayed inside. Sleek, polished, and sophisticated. However, the powder is great as well! I use it to blot my t-zone throughout the day, and it just leaves my skin looking less shiny. It isn't heavy or cakey at all. I love pulling it out of my bag when I need a quick touch up :)

3. Sephora Pro Smudge Brush # 29 - I use this to smudge eyeshadow along my lash lines, top and bottom. It's also great to smudge out pencil liner.

4. Laura Mercier Baby Lips  - This is an amazing lipstick. The texture feels like a balm because it is so soothing and moisturizing. The color itself is sheer, and in fact, it very closely resembles my beloved MAC lipstick in See Sheer (a light wash of red). I like Baby Lips even more, and that says a lot! This is a great color for anytime, anywhere. It really does remind me of a sweet baby's flush-stained lips.

♥ Noelle

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Current Hair Care Loves

 

1. Pureology Volume Shampoo  - no sulfates, great for all hair types in my opinion 2. Pureology Hydrate Conditioner  3. Salon Grafix Invisible Dry Spray Shampoo - no white residue!  4. Macadamia Deep Repair Masque  - I use this once a week and it makes my hair so soft! 5. Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Spray Mousse - I spray this into my roots before blow drying for added volume 6. Kenra Platinum Silkening Mist (I love the gloss serum, but the mist is great too)  7. Josie Maran Argan Oil - I use this as an overnight treatment when my hair needs some extra TLC. Then I wash it out in the morning. It's very nourishing.

8. TRESemme Heat Tamer Spray - great before using a flat iron to protect my hair from high heat.

~ One thing I really need help with is a good texturizing or wave enhancing spray. I want to get something to put in my hair on days when I just want to air dry, but still want to tame my natural wavy (and frizzy) hair. Sort of that beachy, bohemian look. BUT, I want one that doesn't leave my hair dry and crunchy! Any good recs? I would appreciate it!

♥ Noelle

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Hana Air Review

Hey everyone, I hope you are all doing well! I've been busy with work and appointments, hence the slight lack in posting so far this week.

About a month or so ago (time has been pretty blurry lately), I was contacted by someone from Misikko.com. They asked if I would review one of their blowdryers, the HANAair Professional. I normally am quite hestitant when a PR person emails me. This may sound strange, as I realize that the nature of beauty and fashion blogging involves direct contact with companies. I'm discerning because I want my blog to be authentically me. I will never post something here that I don't feel genuine about. But you know, I am pretty hopeless with my hair. And I have never, ever owned a nice professional hair dryer before, only drugstore brands that I can admit aren't the best quality. So when Misikko contacted me, I was thrilled! I've been using the dryer every time I wash my hair, which is every other day. I have been using it consistently for the past two weeks.

I love that it's a sleek black color. It is light-weight, easy to manuever, and easy to hold while I blow out my hair with both a round brush and a flat paddle brush.

It also comes with a detachable nozzle. I've never used one before, and I can't believe what a humongous difference it can make! The air is concentrated down the hair shaft, allowing for better control of styling. I point the dryer downwards as I straighten, section by section. My hair dries quickly, more smoothly, and with less frizz.

I love all of the settings that the HANAair has. I usually use the HOT/HIGH setting to blow my hair out, then switch on the COOL button to set it in place and help seal the cuticle.

Overall, I would give my experience with this blow dryer a solid A! I left my Revlon dryer behind at my old house, but I have no desire to go back. This is hands down the best hair dryer I've tried. You girls know I just received a GHD for Christmas from my fiance, but if you are interested in hair straighteners, I'm sure the ones on the Misikko website are great too. If you girls have any further questions, please feel free to ask!

♥ Noelle

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The Mighty GHD

For about two years, I lusted after the GHD. The hefty price tag not so much. I've never been one to splurge on hair tools. At almost 200 dollars, there was no way I could justify it. I was content with my Chi straightener, although I was unhappy with the inconsistency in my hair. An hour after I straightened my waves, and my hair's natural curl would show, along with some frizz. I chalked it up to the weather, and just accepted the fact that my hair is fussy with a mind of its own.

Well this Christmas, my fiance ordered the GHD from Sephora. I received it in the mail a few days ago, and let me tell you: it really is worth the hype, and it really is much better than Chi. Not to dis the latter, because it isn't a bad product by any means. I just think that GHD has a leg up on its competitor and I find it more efficient for thick, unruly hair.

Here is why I love it:
* It heats up in nano seconds. You turn on the switch and a beep tells you when its ready about 10 seconds later.

* It not only straightens my waves, but it keeps them straight too. It also imparts a lot more shine, less frizz.

* It automatically turns off  and goes into sleep mode after 30 minutes if accentidentally left on. This is huge for me, because last month I came home after an entire day out and found my Chi still on. Thank God it didn't start a fire. It just turned part of my vanity an orange rust color :(

If you don't use a straightener often, then you don't really need one. However, if you use one a lot like I do, then it's worth it.

I am still keeping my old straightener for back up, but I prefer the GHD. I'm very happy with it!

Oh, and I'm also experimenting with the new hair dryer that Misikko.com kindly just sent me. Review to come!

Do you own a GHD? What are your thoughts?

♥ Noelle

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Loving: Pretty hair for Fall

This Fall, hair is looking soft, romantic, and effortless on the runway. Here are some of my favorite looks:

loose sidebraids

clean low ponytails

undone chignons

~I'm really loving headbands~

Images courtesy of Allure.com

Inspiration: Sienna of petite voyageur

Gold double strand headband - H&M (they have silver too)

What hair trends are you trying this Fall?

♥ Noelle

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Odds and Ends

In my last post, I had a reader request to see a more detailed look of my natural hair using only the Living Proof Wave Styling Creme. Well of course I can!

I took a shower, put my hair in a towel for about ten minutes, combed it through, and then dispersed a nickel sized amount of creme, focusing on the middle of my hair and going down through the ends. I didn't put any near my roots, although I did use a tiny amount left over on my hand to run through the shorter layers of hair around my face. Then, I air dried. Fan blasting in my room, my hair was dry in no time flat.

I think it looks much better than it normally does without the Living Proof product. It isn't perfect by any means. But I don't think naturally wavy or curly hair ever is perfect. If I want a more polished look, I have to pick up a heating appliance, bottom line. But I really love the creme's control. It can be a bit crunchy, but only use a small amount and you should be ok.

The sole reason I bought this was to wear my hair as is, and I feel confident enough that I can. Do I still  prefer my hair straight, or curled with an iron? Yup! But because it's a million (ok, 100) degrees where I live during Summer, I needed something to tame my frizz and let me be free.

I hope this photo helped my reader =)

PS - taking a close up pic is a leeettle bit strange for me. The old days of taking gratuitous self shots for MySpace are long gone my friends. Long gone!

If all else fails, and my hair just won't cooperate no matter what, then I use this:

There, that'll do it. Fedoras are great.

On another note, GO BUY THIS BOOK!

I love Bethenny, I think she's a riot and incredibly savvy. But even if you aren't a huge fan of hers, I highly, highly recommend this book. Hate your job, your relationship, your food habits, your life? Or just need a quick boost? This is life-changing, no joke. I read it cover to cover in one day!

I sound like a walking infomercial.

~ Noelle

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Black & Cream OOTD

cream top - Nordstrom, cami underneath - F21, black bandage skirt - Express, patent peep toe pumps - Nordstrom (old), necklace - Lisa Taubes, "love" bangle - F21

It took me a long time to jump on the bandage skirt bandwagon. I liked them on other girls, but felt sort of confined whenever I tried one on. I'm not used to wearing tight skirts. This one from Express is cut for petites, and is surprisingly forgiving. I love the propotion with my new flowy cream top from Nordstrom. I was tempted to belt it, but I don't think it would look appropriate with this skirt. The gold Lisa Taubes necklace (a constant when I don't know what jewelry to wear) and my love bangle are the perfect add-ons to a fun, simple look for a night out on the town. In fact, I think I'll wear this very same outfit in Vegas come September.

***I have been wearing my hair naturally for the past week and I really enjoy the freedom of being me! No dryer, no straightener, no bs! It's Summer, to hell with it I say. The Living Proof Wave Styling Creme is great, and it does make my waves less fuzzy and messy looking. In fact, it's the best I've tried yet. My hair isn't completely frizz free, but not a total disaster. An accomplishment in my book.***

~Noelle

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Weekend Shopping & Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July everyone! And, happy birthday, America!

I hope everyone is loving the long holiday weekend as much as I am. It is definitely needed. I did a little bit of shopping on Friday and I wanted to share the things I got. I don't do these posts as often as I used to, mainly because I think showing new clothes in outfits or doing reviews about the makeup I buy is more useful to you as readers. But, sometimes it's fun to just do a shopping post.

The obligatory "haul".

Gorgeous, flattering dress from Zara. It's part of their new collection and it was the last one in my size (small). I love the pretty lace. The cotton is extemely soft and it's so comfortable I could sleep in it. Don't worry girls - I won't.

I love the little keyhole in the back. The tiny button looks like an abalone shell. Can't wait to wear this. It's such a soft nude that I think I could pair it with just about anything.

How would you wear it? What colors/shoes/accessories?

 I'm thinking brights! Then with other neutrals come Fall.

This flowy chiffon top is from Nordstrom. Notice a nude theme?

Again, I'm all about the details.

From Ulta: China Glaze Shocking Pink (neon). Remember this post? Yup, still into the whole dayglo thing. I've been searching for Essie's Pink Parka, but can't find it. I think the China Glaze is close enough!

I also got one of NYX's new Soft Matte Lip Cremes and a trial size of Living Proof's No Frizz Wave Styling Creme. My hair is a frizzy bleeping mess this time of year and I am so tired of blowdrying it. Hopefully this is a miracle, but I'm very skeptical.

Reviews/swatches of everything to come!

I also picked up a couple more polishes, two very very special nail polishes. That will be my next post.

~Noelle

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Rave: UNITE Shampoo & Conditioner

About two years ago, my favorite hairstylist in the whole world moved to a salon where they used a haircare line called UNITE. I had never heard of the brand before, but my hair girl raved that it was the best shampoo and conditioner she had ever tried on her clients. I was a bit skeptical, because let's face it, even our trusted hair stylists want to make commision on selling products.

As soon as I smelled the shampoo, I was hooked! I love using products that make my hair smell delicious long after I get out of the shower, and this shampoo reminds me of Summertime. It's very tropical, but not too saccharin sweet. It's fruit scented for grown-ups. The conditioner carries the same notes, but is a bit different (although I can't really say what that difference is).

 I had a hard time finding UNITE in stores. Even a local beauty supply mecca that carries everything didn't carry it.  From then onward, I looked forward to going to her salon just so she could use those products. Until she quit hairdressing and became a nurse. ?????? I was so sad.

Fast forward two years later and my boyfriend's sister now does my hair. And, she happens to work in another salon that uses UNITE as their main products. Score!

I use the Volumizing shampoo and the Moisturizing conditioner. The shampoo gives my limp locks a boost without weighing them down. It isn't a heavy feeling shampoo, and neither is the conditioner. They are amazingly light, and I don't get an oily residue that some other products have left behind in my hair. All  UNITE products are "proudly free" of: sulfates, parabens, gluten, sodium chloride, dea, mea, and is 100% vegan and color safe.

I always like to do research before buying a hair product, and UNITE has a great website. They even have videos explaining certain ingredients.

Clickity Click

I will say that the shampoos and conditioners are pricey. They are comparable to Pureology, Phyto, and other brands I've splurged on over the years. But if you struggle with your hair like I do, I highly recommend it. I'll be using this for a long time to come. Oh, and this isn't sponsored or anything. I just love the way my hair has been managing ever since I bought the shampoo and conditioner again.

Have you heard of the brand before? Let me know!

I'm off to San Diego again for the weekend tomorrow after work, so I will catch up with you all next week.

♥ Noelle



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A speedy blow-out

If you're anything like me, you fight with your hair on a daily basis. And, your hair usually wins. My hair is thick and wavy. It sounds like a blessing and maybe in some ways it is. But I constantly have to blow it out and straighten it with a flat iron in order to tame frizz, flyaways, a cowlick, and a very awkward wavy texture that I wish would go completely curly or flatten out. I struggle with the inbetween.

I discovered Ready Set Blow at my local Ulta last month and I've been testing it out ever since. "Created by the hair experts at Blow, the New York blow dry bar," the express blow dry lotion claims to "accelerate blow dry time, plump hair for fuller heat-style, and tame frizz and flyaways." Um, okay! Sold!

The ready set blow lotion is not tested on animals and is free of parabens and sulfates, perfect for those of us who have colored treated or damaged hair (and those of us with a conscience too). So does it work? Yes! I haven't touched my other hair styling products. I love that it really does cut drying time. What I do is flip my head over and get my hair about 85% dry, then quickly section it off and finish blow drying the top layer with a brush. Overall, this process takes about ten minutes. Ten minutes! This doesn't account for straightening my hair with an iron, but I usually just do a quick run through with that anyways, especially during the week when I'm not entirely in the mood to deal. I also like that it acts as a heat protectant. That way, I can use this product on its own rather than having to use at least two separate products (one for protection and one to act as a leave-in conditioner or styling assistant).

Overall, I would recommend this product if you want to cut down on drying time while adding some extra shine and combat frizz. You can find this at Ulta and it retails for $22 dollars.

On that note, I am doing a project hair pan if you will! I know a lot of beauty gurus have done project 10 pan where they have to use up 10 beauty products before purchasing anymore. I am on a mission to do the same, except with all of my hair products. I am very happy with the shampoo, conditioner, and styling agents I currently have and I do not need anything else. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!

♥ Noelle



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Back to the Dark Side

As much as I loved playing with my lightened locks this Summer, there was still a huge part of me that missed being a full brunette. Having my hair so close to my own natural color is just easier - no roots, no brassiness, no worries! And, it's much less expensive than living at the hair salon to get touch-ups. Do I regret going a little lighter? Not at all. It was a good change from my normal routine. But, I just feel more like myself again.

This morning: No more highlights! It's all just one shade of chocolate brown. (It's actually quite a bit darker in natural lighting. The salon lights are deceiving)

I like the dark side ;)

I hope you all have a beautiful weekend!

To those going out later this evening for Fashion's Night Out...I'm envious! Have a great time! I wish I could be in New York City to partake in all the fashion week craziness. Keep us posted!

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Phyto: Phytocitrus Restructuring Mask

I first heard about the brand Phyto from Laura (Lollipop26) on YouTube. Since then, many other beauty bloggers and YouTubers have mentioned the brand and I became curious to try it. I love experimenting with different haircare products. Even when I find a certain product or brand that I love, I stray very easily and am always up for trying something else. A few months ago before I went on vacation to New York and Ohio, I bought a little travel pack of Phyto products at Ulta. The kit contained a Phytocitrus shampoo, a leave-in cream to tame frizz, and the restructuring mask which is essentially a very deep conditioner. I should mention that the Phytocitrus line is meant for those of us with color treated hair, but there are other types of products by the brand that vary in their purposes. The shampoo was nice, but nothing really unique in my opinion. The leave-in cream is also good, and I actually still have some left over from the trip. But the standout was definitely the restructuring mask, and so I went to Sephora a couple of weekends ago and forked over the cash - $38 dollars to be exact. I know what you're thinking. The price is...pricey. How can I justify it?

Pros:
~ This leaves my hair softer and silkier than any other deep conditioner I have ever tried. The ingredients contain: shea butter, grapefruit extracts, illipe plant butter, castor plant oil, and sweet almond protein.
~ Even after one use, the difference in my hair texture is noticeable, and I find that the results only intensify after continued use.
~ A little goes a long way! Once a week is really all you need. In between, I use Aussie's Deep moisture treatment, as well as Joico conditoner.
~ The consistency is very thick and rich, almost like a body butter.
~ The smell is slightly floral, but not overly so. I would say there really isn't much of a scent at all, which could actually be a con for some people who like their hair to be strongly scented after a shower.

Cons:
~ The hefty price tag. Once this runs out, I'll probably wait a while before repurchasing. This type of product is more of a luxury and so it's not something I would continuously buy over and over. I just wanted to treat myself!
~The trial size I previously got in the travel kit came in a tube, which I actually prefer. The tub can get cumbersome in the shower because water can get into it while I'm applying the mask to my hair. It's just a matter of preference though. I know a lot of people like tubs instead of bottles.

My recommendation if you are interested is to go to Ulta or Sephora and look into their travel size kits. It's a much better way to try a product before spending some extra money. The travel kits were about 12-15 dollars I believe.

  Any more questions? Feel free to ask if I've left something out!

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Time for a little change (scaredy cat)

That's me when it comes to change...one big scaredy cat! I'm not very good with change, however minor it may be. I am more of a set-schedule, routine, creature of habit type of girl. Especially when it comes to my hair. I'm not exactly sure why I use my hair as a security blanket. I secretly envy all of the girls out there who can change their cut or color as often as they change their underwear.
But me, I just like to keep my hair as easy going as possible. I did a post a couple of weeks ago on wanting to go a bit lighter. Summertime is the perfect excuse to throw in some highlights, although my hair gets lighter naturally because I go to the pool and the beach a lot this time of year. After all the advice seeking (Thanks girls!) and after asking the boyfriend a million times what he thought ("babe, I really don't care"), I decided to just park my indecisive butt at the hairstylist's chair and have her work those scissors. The cut is pretty much the same, with long layers all around, gradually getting shorter in the front to frame my face. But she added some highlights and now my hair is a few shades lighter than it was before.

I do really like the highlights, as it has been years since I've really had any. But I'm still a scaredy cat who's afraid of change, and I don't know how long I can maintain them. So I'll be going back to my former, darker, self in the future. I'll probably be scared of that too!

On another note, I am wearing a new lipstick from Victorias Secret called Scrumptious. I have never tried VS lipsticks, and I was surprised by how smooth and creamy this one feels. I recommend!

It's a peachy-nude with just a hint of a vanilla scent. It's what I was wearing in the picture above, just for reference.

♥Noelle

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A TRUE Coral

Ok, so by now everyone knows that my favorite color of the season has been coral, especially on nails. Essie's Van D' Go and Shop Til I Drop have been on my fingers and toes about 90 percent of the time, with a little pink thrown into the mix every couple of weeks. I realize that Essie is a love it or a hate it nail polish brand. As Laura, or Lollipop 26, has written in her own blog "There is good Essie and there is BAD Essie!" I would most certainly agree. In general, Essie is known for its wide range of drop-dead gorgeous colors. And, it's also known for being too sheer and watery. I personally don't mind sheer, but many of you have expressed your disdain because of that very reason. If Van D' Go and Shop Til I Drop don't work for you, then I HIGHLY suggest giving Revlon's "Tropical Temptation" a try.

Proof:

My little wishbone finger, just one coat! Sorry for the blurry.

After applying two coats. I love Revlon polishes. The formula is much more opaque and less streaky than Essie. More affordable than OPI.

I've worn Tropical Temptation twice now, and I'm convinced it really is a beautiful true coral. The next time you're at the drugstore, see what you think!

I also want to thank everyone who commented and gave me feedback on my last post. After looking through tons of pics online, I have decided that this is what I want my hair to look like:

Olivia Palermo. I love the color, just a couple of shades lighter than what I have now so it won't be too much of a change. In fact, I really think this is very close to my natural color! I just love everything about her hair and am definitely bringing these photos with me to the salon the next time I go.

~Photos found using Google~

Happy Wednesday!

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Do Blondes Really Have More Fun?

Hmmmmmm, I'm not so sure about the answer. I'm sure some do! I remember when I was in high school, I seriously envied the blondies. I couldn't afford to go to a salon at the time, so my mom took me to a beauty school where some random student proceeded to pour orangey looking dye all over my head. I knew it was going to turn out a disaster, but I was too meek to say anything to the poor guy. He looked terrified after he was done. I kinda just dealt with it. Needless to say, it was at that very moment that I realized I liked being a brunette. I liked it so much that I actually dye my hair a couple shades darker, and so has been the case for a year and a half. It's definitely easier to maintain, and I never have to worry about tell-tale roots. But my dear readers, I am bored. My best friend just dyed her hair a beach blonde and it looks amazing on her. She has inspired me to perhaps make the blonde move, but I am so scared of my hair turning orange again. I think maybe some light brown highlights are the way to go. I guess I don't want to be blonde, I just want to be lighter. Sunkissed. Beachy. You get the picture. Here are some that girls that I love.

Or maybe I can just use my old hair for inspiration. This was about two years ago when I was in Maui

What do you girls take into consideration when changing hair color? Any advice?

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