How to Make a Blowout Last

As mentioned in my previous post, I just got a Keratherapy professional treatment to tame my frizzy hair. Apparently, however, the treatment I received only stays silky straight and smooth for one wash! My high school graduation is Friday and I am doing everything I can to prolong my blowout until then. I've been following these three rules to help ensure my hair stays stick straight and hassle free as long as possible.

1. HANDS OFF!

This is the most important rule that I am so bad with. Especially when my hair is silky smooth and all I want to do is touch it!

2. Dry Shampoo is your best friend

Nexxus
Nexxus makes my favorite dry shampoo. It smells so amazing and refreshing! No kidding, the smell is the top reason to buy this dry shampoo. It is like a hair perfume! 

Bumble and bumble Prêt-à-Powder
Bumble and Bumble makes an amazing dry shampoo powder. Don't let the $27 price tag scare you away, this powder is worth the investment.

LUSH No Drought

I'm a big fan of LUSH skin care products. I've never tried their dry shampoo before but it is on my list.  

3. Silk scarf & sleep

One of my biggest pet peeves is having my hair all over my face while I'm sleeping. My solution was to tie a silk scarf around my hairline which helped to keep my hair back away from my face.

 

Pictures via Pinterest 

Cabana Cream

Summer is so close I can almost taste the salt air and feel the sand in my hair!

Buggs Island 2014 

As the school year comes to a close, I've begun mentally packing my suitcase for the summer. The top of my list include bikinis, beach cover-ups, sunglasses, flip flops, and most importantly sunscreen. I burn easily, so not wearing sunscreen is a no-go for my fair skin. 

Picture via Gal Meets Glam 

This summer there is a new edition to my packing list: Cabana Cream. I'm ashamed to admit I always get so caught up in enjoying the sunshine that I forget to protect my hair. Thankfully Cabana Cream has me covered. Cabana Cream is a leave in treatment with sunscreen that defends your hair from the harsh effects of chlorine and salt. Did I mention it also smells like Piña Colada?! This product is sulfate free, paraben free, color safe, keratin safe, and is water soluble. 

I was so excited when Cabana Cream sent me a sample to try! I'll be beach bound with Cabana Cream a couple weeks, so stay tuned for a more in-depth beach post! In the meantime be sure to follow Cabana Cream on Instagram! 

This post was in collaboration with Cabana Cream 

Summer Sunshine

The weather is finally starting to feel like summer! The highlight of my day yesterday was seeing a neighbor lounging and eating a popsicle in their front yard. Too funny! 

There is only a month and a half left of school, and then I'm off to the beach. Yet a month and a half still seems so far away! Thankfully there are some amazing beauty products out there to help trick my brain into believing it's summer. 

Beach hair: Bumble and Bumble Surf Foam Spray ~ NOT YOUR MOTHER'S Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray

Self tanner: Gradual Self-Tanning Face Water ~ Jargons Natural Glow® +FIRMING Daily Moisturizer ~ Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Self Tanning Facial Towelettes

After sun care: Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Moisturizer Lotion Lime Coolada ~ SUN BUM Cool Down Spray ~ Matrix Biolage Colorcaretherapie Color Care Shine Shake

I don't know about you, but when the weather gets warmer I start craving popsicles and lemonade. Here are some amazing popsicles recipes + a video tutorial below. 

Homemade Popsicles: 5 Different Frozen Summer Treats via Gemma's Bigger Bolder Baking 

Sunday Beauty: Transform Your Skin

As the cold weather begins to roll in, its time to update your beauty routine. Here are the best products (in my opinion) to help "put your best face forward."

 Frank Body Original Body Scrub ~ Frank Body Creamy Face

Frank Body is a new obsession of mine. Shop all their products here: https://us.frankbody.com.

Dr. Brandt Skincare pores no more® pore refiner primer

This is a product I hope to try in the future. I've heard and read great reviews. 

  Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder

The Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder honestly performs magic tricks. It's a must have beauty product.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

 The Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes make taking off my makeup after school, and before my workout, a cinch. 

Thermal Spring Water

This is the best mineral-rich water mist for softening and relieving sensitive skin on the market.

 Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream  

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream is a "lightweight gel-cream that instantly quenches and continuously hydrates skin."

LUSH Ocean Salt Face And Body Scrub

I've been using the LUSH Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub for about a year now. "It is a vodka infused cocktail for bright, fresh skin." This product not only removes unwanted dead skin cells, but also hydrates with avocado and coconut. 

What are your favorite beauty products for putting your best face forward? Comment below. 

Sunday Beauty: Desert Essence

When was the last time you looked at your beauty routine? Do your products work in harmony with your body naturally, or do they strip natural oils? Desert Essence products work in harmony with your body, and are naturally-effective products formulated with only the best ingredients. Whether you're shopping for the organic guru, or the pumpkin spice obsessed, Desert Essence has products for every consumer. I'm a big fan of the Lemon Tea Tree Shampoo, not only does it smell like lemonade, it also leaves my curly hair soft and silky.

Shop for a Change: Pure Oil Blend

"With each Pure Oil Blend purchase, Desert Essence will donate 1% of sales to Plan International USA’s Because I Am a Girl Initiative, which improves the lives of girls through educational opportunities and resources."

Desert Essence Island Mango Shampoo ~ Desert Essence Perfect Pistachio Foot Repair Cream

Desert Essence Italian Red Grape Shampoo 

"Protects both color and non-color treated hair from harmful sun damage." 

Desert Essence Pumpkin Spice Hand Repair Cream

Sunday Beauty: Contour & Highlighting

I'm so excited to collaborate with one of my best friends today on the blog! Lauren and I met in New York City two summers ago, and not only is she an amazing makeup artist, but she's also an accomplished "youtuber."  I'm currently obsessed with highlighting and contouring, and asked Lauren to make a "how to" video of how she contours and highlights. Make sure to subscribe to her Youtube channel here: Lauren Roberta. 

Products Used: 

Beautyblender®  

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer 

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder

(One of my favorite products)

BENEFIT COSMETICS Hoola Bronzer Matte Bronzer

NARS Deep Throat - peach with shimmer

Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette

Sunday Beauty: Clinique Chubby Stick

I've been looking for a good highlighter for months, but anytime I walk into Sephora or Bloomingdales' cosmetic department, I immediately get overwhelmed by all the choices. I love the looks of contouring and highlighting, but don't know anything about makeup. I ended up buying this Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder, that is a great product, but more of a setting powder than a highlighter. Thank goodness Clinique now makes highlighting and contouring easier than ever. All you need to complete your look are two chubby sticks. Watch the video tutorial at the end to see how easily these products can be applied.

Chubby Stick™ Sculpting Highlight ~ Chubby Stick™ Sculpting Contour

Picture Via Pinterest

Sunday Beauty: Caudalie Skincare

A couple days ago I was introduced to this article on Byrdie about Caudalie skincare. In the article they spoke to Caudalie founder, Mathilde Thomas, about everything from aging gracefully to her a.m.-p.m. beauty routine. She even spills some french skincare secrets! 

Mathilde Thomas

Products I'm Dying to Try: 

Caudalie Grape Water ~ Caudalie Glycolic Peel

Caudalie Lip Conditioner ~ Caudalie Divine Legs

 

Caudalie Glow Getters ~ Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Anti-Wrinkle Defense Serum

Have you tried Caudalie skincare products before? Shop all their products here: https://us.caudalie.com 

They also have a destination spa at The Plaza hotel in New York City! See their spa menu here: SPA VINOTHÉRAPIE®

Product review: Merle Norman

Happy Wednesday! 
{I'm trying something new on the blog today. This is my first every beauty post so please bare with me!!}

I've been using Merle Norman products since my freshman year of high school when I was 15. I went to Merle Norman before my first ever winter formal for a makeover, and left with bags full of goodies to try. I'm the third generation to wear Merle Norman products in my family (my grandma, my mom, and myself), and have a hard time trusting any other products with my sensitive skin. Today I'm focusing on the Merle Norman Powder Brow Pencil in Taupe. This was my first attempt at eyebrow etiquette so I tried to keep things as natural looking as possible.

A few of the many Merle Norman products I use on a daily basis...

Top (L to R): Renew Serum ~ Clarifying Clay Mask ~ Expert Touch Finishing Spray

Middle:  Powder Brow Pencil in Taupe 

Bottom (L to R): Flawless Effect Liquid Foundation Broad Spectrum ~ Gentle Solutions Eye Cream ~ Clear Complexion Moisturizer

What I'm Wearing: Makeup 

 Merle Norman Powder Brow Pencil in Taupe 

Flawless Effect Liquid Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15

"I'm Peachless" Lip Glaze

Wicked Lash Mascara

What I'm Wearing: Clothing and Accessories

Earrings: +ALEX AND ANI (Similar)

Dress: +H&M old (Similar)

3 Things I Learned 
1. Less is more! Don't over apply to your brows. Try for a more natural look.
2. Always get a shade lighter than you think you need. Unless you get shade tested by a professional.
3. No matter how hard I try I will never be Cara Delevingne...

What is your favorite eyebrow makeup brand/product? 

Special thanks to my Mom! Helping me to take these pictures was her first time behind the lens.