Quick Tip: Easy Beachy Hair!

Photo by Molly Stronczek

Almost everyone loves those "fresh from the ocean" waves, but what if you're don't happen to be coastal? Of course, you can go out and buy "beachy hair" spray, but why waste all of that summer sunshine shopping when you probably have everything you need to make a great wave spray within reach.

"Beachy Hair" Wave Spray Recipe

Ingredients:
spray bottle
spray detangler (or your favorite rinse-out conditioner)
1-2 tsp. sea or Epsom salt
warm water

How-to:
Fill an empty spray bottle halfway with almost-hot water, then add your favorite spray detangler; make sure you leave enough room so that you can add the salt and screw your top on without overflowing. Next, add salt- if you have fine hair, start with just one teaspoon and add salt in 1/4 tsp increments until you get the results you like, otherwise go ahead and add 2 full teaspoons.

If you don't have spray de-tangler laying around the house, fill your spray bottle with warm water, add the salt and then add about a nickel-sized dollop of your regular rinse-out conditioner (I use that amount with about 8oz of water. If you have very fine hair or are using a smaller spray bottle, use a bit less. Thick, dry or coarse hair, or a bigger bottle? Add a little more). Then, shake-shake-shake to blend.

That's it. I usually use my salt spray on damp or dry hair and "scrunch" to enhance the curl. I've bought plenty of wave spray in my day, but always blend my own now, because I can control the formula better (more or less conditioner, more salt for more curl- but crunchier- a little gel for hold, etc...) Enjoy!

Rise and SHINE!Pre-Prep for Your Best Early-Morning Face

For those of you who don't know, I am currently in the thickest thick of planning my upcoming wedding- less than 3 weeks to go (eeek)! Given my predilection to research, and of course my love of social media, you can bet I've been hitting the wedding forums pretty heavily. Recently, I happened upon a fellow bride-to-be wondering about how she should prep for an early morning photo shoot.

As I typed out my response on how to avoid common morning-time pitfalls (puffiness, redness, etc...) it occurred to me that my lovely (and, I apologize profusely, much neglected) readers may appreciate some tips too- after all, wedding or not, no one wants to leave the house looking like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man!

Here are my best tips and tricks for looking fabulous, no matter what your call time is:

• First and foremost, if you're gearing up for photos or a special occasion, don't expect most of these tips to take effect overnight. Though some will give more instant-gratification than others, in general, the further in advance you start, the better. 

• Take care of your skin! Remove all of your makeup before bed and moisturize well. Be especially careful to get all traces of eye makeup off, lest it migrate around and into your eyes at night. This can cause redness, puffiness and watery eyes, and though you may not even be able to see the traces left behind in the morning, they're there- and can cause subtle shadows that will make eyes appear smaller and darker (and for some reason, mascara left on overnight seems SO much harder to remove!) 

• Reduction of alcohol and salt, and of course, lots of water, can help to minimize puffiness. 

• Sleep on a satin pillow case- it reduces tug on the skin & hair and you'll wake less creased and ruffled.

• Sleeping with your head propped up with several pillows will keep fluids from settling in your face overnight (which causes puffiness).

• There is some evidence that caffeine applied to the skin can relieve puffiness and redness. Soak a tea towel in strong, chilled coffee and apply it as a cold compress mask for 10-15 minutes before you apply your makeup. (Black and green tea will work too, though possibly to a lesser extent because of a lower caffeine content). Bonus: coffee and tea are full of skin-protecting antioxidants! 

• If you can, pinpoint the cause of your issues. Redness, puffiness and under eye darkness can all be brought on by allergies. If you notice such things seasonally or just on occasion, an over-the-counter antihistamine like Claritin or Benadryl, or anti-inflammatories like Advil, may help. Of course, I am not a doctor, so please speak to yours before beginning any medical treatment!

•  A cool shower, rather than warm, is more beneficial to your skin and hair. It strips less of your skin's natural barrier, so you're likely to see less dryness, flakiness, redness and irritation. Cold water also helps smooth the hair's cuticle (outer layer), which will make hair look smoother and shinier. 

• When applying makeup, highlight skin under the brow bone, in the inner corners of the eyes around the tear ducts, and on the orbital bone under the eye (right on the top of the cheek bones- imagine a line coming down from the arch of your brow and start there, extending the highlighter almost to temples). Choose a champagne shade (white if you're fair) with a pearly finish. Your objective is to mimic the way light hits healthy skin- visible glitter not only gives away the trick, it can appear as white or black dots in photos!

• Line the lower, inner rim (waterline) with a white or nude eye pencil to make eyes appear brighter and more opened. And don't forget the mascara!

• Last, smile!!! This lifts the entire face, and you'd be surprised how visible a good mood is in photos! 

Quick Tip: Re-purpose Your Rejects!

Anyone else have a shelf in your linen closet (a basket under the sink or a drawer in your room counts too) of lotions and potions sitting around that just didn't make the grade? I know I'm never going to put *that* stuff on my face again, but somehow I just can't bring myself to throw out a perfectly good (maybe, possibly, for someone else, not me) product.


If you're in the same boat, don't just let those bottles and jars sit around wasting space. Just because a product didn't work for its prescribed use doesn't mean you can't use it at all. Give new life to your castoffs: use facial cleansers, body washes or shampoos as hand soap (decant them into a pretty pump bottle and no one will ever know). Hair Conditioner makes a great hydrating shave cream, and believe it or not, that dud of a makeup primer might work better at smoothing down spilt-ends. Oh, and that $60 jar of moisturizer that turned out to be not quite for you? Stick the jar next to your kitchen sink or on your bed stand and use it as hand cream. In the end, you'll feel pretty and pampered while actually saving money and helping the environment- you might possibly even have a neater house when all is said and done!

Color of the Moment: Blackberry(and Quick Tips On How to Pull it Off!)

Call it what you want: mulberry, eggplant, aubergine, wine or maroon. From juicy to vampy-deep,  purple is popping this fall, from tips to lips!

Left: OPI Every Month Is Oktoberfest Right: Zoya Katherine
Thanks to Jen of The PolishAholic for sharing her amazing photos!

Illamasqua Complement Pallette

MAC Yung Rapunxel

Now, I'm all for this trend- it actually makes me long for cooler weather! But don't be fooled. While these shades are neutral enough for anyone to wear, that doesn't mean they're always easy to pull off. Rich berry hues on the nails are a great way to ease in, and shadows like the ones above can be smudged along the lash line for an easy but eye-catching pop (if you're feeling bolder, apply them to the entire lid & smoke out the edges just above the crease).

If you're planning to rock a plum lip, however, you have to be a bit savvy to put your best pout forward. See, purple sits in a cozy place on the color wheel right across from yellow, and that means it will intensify any yellow put up against it. So if you worry that your pearlies could be a bit whiter, get a jump on this trend and grab an at-home tooth whitening kit. Even over-the-counter versions can lighten teeth several shades; my past favorite, Crest Whitestrips has a new version that guarantees laser-like results. Kits can be a bit pricey, but rebates and coupons take some of the sting out, and luckily, they're pretty easy to find (check your Sunday paper). And, after all, it's a relatively small price to pay for head-turning fierceness :)

Quick Tip: Give Your Skin a Chill Pill!

Cold weather outside can mean all kinds of nasty things, but a little cold for you skincare can actually do you good!

Keeping eye creams, face masks, even moisturizers in the fridge can give your skin a little extra in addition to what's built into the formula. The chill of your potions on the skin can help to relieve puffiness, reduce redness and make pores appear smaller! It's a nice wake-up call too!

Just remember to keep bottles and jars tightly capped (or if possible, store them in a low-humidity compartment) to keep goods at peak performance!

Quick Tip: Alcohol Disinfection; How Less is More.

Photo by: Bill Selak

If you use alcohol to disinfect when you're cleaning your brushes & makeup, it may interest you to know that 70% isopropyl alcohol is actually better suited to the task than higher concentrations. As counterintuitive as it may seem, hear me out.

Alcohol disinfects by denaturing proteins. In concentrations over 90%, alcohol instantly coagulates the protein on the just the outside of the cell. This forms a protective shell (think Magic Shell on ice cream) that prohibits the alcohol from further penetration, so it can not effectively kill the cell.

70% alcohol still coagulates the proteins in the cell wall, but it does so slower. Because it takes its time, 70% alcohol is able to penetrate the bacterial cell wall and do it's business inside of the cell.

Of course, to properly disinfect, the alcohol must come into contact long enough; which means a quick spritz won't cut it. A minimum of 30 seconds of wet contact is necessary. Since alcohol can degrade the glue holding bristles in place, as well as ruin some rubbers and plastics, be careful to submerge only the bristles and lay the brush flat (never upright) to dry.

Quick Tip:Your Favorite Scent...Now in a Hand Soap!

Ever wish your favorite scent came in a hand wash? Guess what...it might- it's just not called that on the label!

If your scent of choice comes in a body wash or shower gel option, buy a pretty refillable pump and fill that baby up- after all, hands are a part of the body, aren't they? All kidding aside, the surfactants in body washes are the same as those typically used in hand soaps, so they really do clean your hands just as well as your body.As an added bonus, body wash often has added moisturizing ingredients, so your hands are less likely to dry out with your new cleansing option.

Used to antibacterial soap and worried about germs? Consider this: studies have consistently found that antibacterial soaps are no more effective than regular formulations, and could even be harmful. The plain fact is that washing with regular soap for just 20 seconds kills harmful bacteria. Since Triclosan, the antibacterial agent used in most popular anti-bac soaps, takes around 30 seconds to off the little buggers, you can see, totally not necessary. So grab some shower gel, smell good and be clean!

Quick Tip: Buy One Get One...Or Not.

If you know what the acronym BOGO means, this post is for you! If the sight of those letters followed by a 50% gets your heart racing but occasionally leads you to over-indulge, here's a more logical way to look at it that may help you abstain when your wallet is groaning.

"Buy One Get One Half-Off" sounds great, but in reality it's a fairly average deal- just with a little marketing pizazz to make it seem more than it really is. In reality, every BOGO deal in existence comes with a stipulation that limits your actual savings: *Free item must be of equal or lesser value. Sound familiar?

What this means is that, no matter what the cost of your items, you'll never get more than 25% off your total purchase. Time for some math:

You buy a foundation for $10 and a powder for $10. The first item you pay full price, $10. The second, you save a whopping 50% so you pay $5. That makes your discounted total $15. Without the discount, you'd have paid $20. Your discount, $5, is 25% of the original total, thus, you saved 25%.

And this is a best case scenario. Say your more expensive (full price) item is $15 and your less expensive (50% off) product is only $5. That means you're paying $17.50 for what would normally be $20. Your savings? A totally not-head-turning 12.5%

Now, don't get me wrong, I like a sale as much as the next gal (more, if you ask most of my family and close friends. And casual acquaintances). But a company needs to do a little better than 25% to turn my head. If it's something you were planning on purchasing anyway, then it's your lucky day, but otherwise, don't feel as if you're missing out on the deal of the century if you decide to pass!

Quick Tip: Correcting Uneven Pigmentation & Discoloration

Nobody’s perfect, which is what adds interest and variety to the human condition. I remember seeing a computer generated image of the “perfect face” a few years ago and thinking it looked totally bland, not to mention more than a little creepy. Nonetheless, most of us have things we’d change if given the opportunity, and my experience as a makeup artist has taught me that uneven skin tone tops that list.

For those with significantly different areas of color on their face (including those with conditions like vitiligo, hormonal hyperpigmentation and severe sun damage) the question becomes: which area do I match?

The answer: For the most flattering match, choose the darkest shade on your face and match your foundation to that. Though this may mean some work blending the shade down onto the neck, it’s really the best way to avoid casting an ashy or grey cast to your skin, which is what will happen if you put a lighter shade over a large dark area.

Choose a foundation that offers medium to full, long wearing coverage. Popular choices include Dermablend and Kryolan Dermacolor, I've also been a fan of Estee Lauder Maximum Cover (but haven't tried it since the formula changed last year). Apply foundation first, then touch up areas that need extra coverage with concealer. If your discoloration is the result of bruising, port-wine stains, or rosacia, corrective color techniques can be your best friend- apply corrective color first, followed by foundation and concealer.

When you've gotten the desired coverage, top your foundation and concealer off with powder to set it. You can also use a sealing spray like Mehron Barrier Spray to help keep your makeup budge-proof all day long!

5 Uses for Disposable Mascara Wands(That Have Nothing to Do with Mascara)

The other day whilst applying my makeup, it occurred to me that there is a tool I use daily that, unless you're a professional makeup artist, you probably don't even have in your arsenal. It's cheap, easy to find, and has a myriad of uses: a disposable mascara wand. Yes, I'm aware that you can buy a non-disposable version (a lash or "spoolie" brush) but don't do it. Mascara wands pick up everything-they get dirty and linty extremely fast & aren't the easiest thing to clean, plus if you're actually using them in mascara, the disposable ones are easier to fit in the tube, less messy, and (of course) more sanitary.

But what else can you do with these little buggers? Here are a few uses I've discovered over the years:

• Brushing eyebrows after makeup application- This would be the "daily use" that I mentioned above. You know those people that have harsh, penciled-in, "old-lady brows"? 9 times out of 10 that look can be remedied by simply brushing through the brows after filling them. This softens the lines and assures there aren't any brow hairs clumped together from a wax, pencil or gel. I always, always, ALWAYS brush through my brows as a finishing step.
• Exfoliating lips- sugar scrubs are great, but not always handy. Yes, a toothbrush will work too, but leftover toothpaste residue can irritate. Instead, put a little lotion, lip balm, or plain Vaseline on a disposable wand and lightly buff over your lips for a few seconds.

• Taming hair flyaways- spritz a little hairspray on the wand (or directly on your head, whatevs...) and use the wand to brush the stragglers back into place. The fine, closely placed bristles on the wand grab tiny, fine flyaways better than a brush, and they don't leave tell-tale "track marks" like a comb.

• Root touch-ups- for those of us that color our hair, these wands can be a god-send for quick root jobs. For me anyway, the long brush I use for my whole head can get unwieldy if I'm only doing roots; the tiny wands place color exactly where you need it without glopping extra product all over. If you color your brows, these work great for that too (of course, I would never recommend doing something so silly, since you could go blind, but if you happen to choose to of your own accord, I happen to know it works!)

• Removing cuticles- Apply a little cuticle remover cream, or just a bit of plain ol' olive oil, let it sit for a bit, then lightly buff at the base of your nails to remove softened bits.

And here's a little bonus tip that has a little to do with mascara (or lashes anyway). The non-bristled end of a disposable wand is the perfect for applying glue to strip lashes. Instead of applying glue to the lash straight from the tube (which can put too much glue on) I put a bead of glue on the plastic handle of the wand and run the lash through the bead. Wipe the excess glue off of the handle, place the lash, and use the end of the handle (again, the end opposite the bristles) to lightly push the lashes into place. Much more precise than your finger!

Dandruff -Vs- Dry Scalp:Guest Starring Kelsi!

A few weeks ago, I posted a Quick Tip on how to treat dandruff without stripping your color. In the comments, fellow blogger and professional stylist, Kelsi, of Kelsi Does Hair, mentioned that quite commonly, people who think they have dandruff actually don't. Instead, they suffer from dry scalp- and are possibly making their condition worse by treating it with dandruff shampoos.

I was intrigued, and I immediately contacted Kelsi to see if she'd like to do a guest spot here to explain to us the differences between dry scalp and dandruff. Luckily for us, she agreed! Here, Miss Kelsi answers:

We've all seen the commercials for Dandruff shampoo where a nice man or woman in a dark colored shirt is caught in an embarrassing situation with unsightly little white flakes of scalp snowing down onto their shoulders. "Oh," their friend or colleague will assure them, "try this shampoo and your flakes will be gone!" Right? No. Yes. Well, maybe. You see, it's not quite as simple as that. The flakes we see on their shoulders aren't actually dandruff; they're dry scalp, and yes there is a difference. Unfortunately these commercials cause people to misidentify their problem, and often mistreat it, possibly making it worse. Let's go over a few of the major differences between Dandruff and dry scalp. I should also make it clear before we get into the thick of it that your hairstylist may be able to give you their personal and professional opinion on what scalp condition you have, but Dandruff can only be diagnosed by a doctor.

Dry Scalp: We'll start here, since this is what the majority of people who think they have Dandruff actually have. Dry scalp is characterized by small, white flakes of scalp. It is caused by dehydration and over-shedding of the scalp and is often linked to not drinking enough water, using poor quality shampoo and conditioner which are stripping your scalp of it's natural oils, over-washing your hair, washing your hair with hot water, or change in the seasons. It may also be accompanied by itching and irritation. If you find that your lips and the rest of your skin is dry or feels tight, this is also a good indication that you have a dry scalp, and not dandruff. Here are some ways that you can combat dry scalp.

1. Make sure to drink plenty of water. I often forget to do this in the winter-time, but staying well hydrated in the winter is important for our skin because we are often moving in and out of heated buildings, which can suck moisture from your skin. If you're well hydrated on the inside, your whole body will function better and your hair and skin will look and feel better as well.

2. Switch to a professional shampoo and conditioner. Many drugstore brand shampoos have harsh cleansing agents which will strip your hair of the natural oils that it needs to stay hydrated. Beware of claims that drugstore products are "pH balanced". This means nothing. They are allowed to make this claim no matter what because everything that is water soluble has a pH, it doesn't necessarily mean that it is the same pH as your hair and skin. Most professional products ARE balanced to the pH of your skin unless they are meant to serve a certain purpose like clarifying shampoo for swimmers. A couple of good professional products are Paul Mitchell Instant Moisture Shampoo and Daily Treatment, and Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo and Conditioner. On of my favorites for dry scalp is Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Hair and Scalp Treatment. The tea tree is soothing for itchiness, and the treatment should be massaged into your scalp and has little beads to help exfoliate dead skin sells so that they don't fall off later, when you don't want them to. The tea tree treatment isn't necessary to use every day, and you want to make sure to rinse it out thoroughly. I should also mention that anything with tea tree oil can fade color, so if you have your hair colored, you probably won't want to use tea tree products regularly.

3. Wash your hair less often and with cooler water. Hot water strips the natural oils from your skin causing it to feel tight and dry. I know a lot of people love to take scalding hot showers, but it's really terrible for your skin and can cause all kinds of irritation and problems down the road. Also if you think you have a dry scalp, and you wash your hair every day, try to cut it down to every other day at the most; this will give your skin a chance to create the oil that you need to protect your skin and re-balance it's own natural pH.

4. Gently brush your scalp before washing your hair. Use a brush that has bristles which are close together and not too stiff. Start at your hairline and work around your head, making sure to brush all areas of your scalp. This will help loosen dead skin cells which are ready to shed off so that you can wash them out.

Dandruff: Dandruff is usually characterized by larger, greasy or waxy flakes or clusters of skin cells and are usually yellowish or grey. They may come off in your hair brush or stick to your hair or scalp, and are accompanied by itching. Dandruff, unlike dry scalp, is usually associated with a fungal or bacterial infection of the scalp and can be contagious. If you have dandruff, you should not share brushes, combs, hats, towels, hair clips, or anything else that touches your head, and you should clean and disinfect brushes etc. between each use. There are different types of Dandruff and the type and cause can only be diagnosed by a medical professional. Here are a few things you can try to help combat Dandruff, but be sure to check with your doctor, especially if it is accompanied by severe itching, bleeding, or oozing.

1. Shampoos and conditioners which contain Tea Tree oil can be effective against dandruff caused by infection because tea tree has natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Make sure you're using a professional brand, because many drug store shampoos and conditioners contain cheap fillers that coat your hair and scalp, making dandruff worse.

2. Cut down on styling products, especially if they are greasy or waxy. Too much product and improper shampooing creates build-up on your hair and scalp, which can cause dandruff, or make it worse.

3. Don't scratch. Scratching can damage your scalp, making it vulnerable to infection. Extreme damage to your scalp and follicles can result in hair loss which may be permanent.

4. Of course, see your doctor! Your doctor will be able to properly diagnose your condition and recommend or prescribe products and routines to manage your Dandruff problem!

I hope this helped to clear up some of the misconceptions you may have had about dandruff. Please let me know if you found this piece informative! May you and your scalp live in health and harmony!

Quick Tip: Milk, It Does a Body (and Face) Good!

I love the change of the seasons- unfortunately, my skin doesn't. Here's a quick soother for my skin that I can throw on anytime, because it only requires two "ingredients" that I always have on hand: a washcloth and some milk.

We all know that milk helps us grow big & strong when we drink it, but it's also great on the skin. The lactic acid in milk is a gentle exfoliator, milk fats and proteins act as skin-identical moisturizers and amino acids help to soothe irritation.

The simplest way to take advantage of these benefits is to soak a washcloth in milk (any type of milk will work, I prefer whole milk because of it's higher fat & protein content). I like to heat the cloth a bit by placing it in a shallow dish of milk and nuking it for about 10 seconds. Needless to say (yet here I go...) please make sure you test the cloth to make sure it's not too hot before you slap it on to your face! If the temperature is good for you, place the warm cloth on your skin for around 10 minutes, then rinse well with tepid water, and apply your normal moisturizer.

Oh, if you want to be fancy (or are too claustrophobic to sit with your nose & eyes covered for 10 minutes) you can actually buy disposable face mask cloths for the ridiculous tune of around a dollar or two for a dozen! They come compressed in a "tablet"- you just pour the liquid of your choice over them to make them expand, then pop them on! BTW, thanks to Charlotte of Lipglossiping for making me aware of those nifty little do-dads!

Quick Tip: Save Your Color & Skip the Dandruff!

We all know dandruff shampoos can dry hair and strip color, but lets face it- those of us that need them...need them. After all, what's a shiny head of lushly colored locks worth if all anyone is focused on is a big flake-o-scalp falling off of your noggin. Eww, right?

To help keep my color in place while eradicating flakies, I coat the length of my hair thickly with conditioner before I use my dandruff shampoo. I leave the conditioner in my hair while lathering just my scalp with the medicated shampoo (after all, it's only your scalp that's the issue here). After cleansing my scalp, I simply rinse my hair in cool water without actually lathering the rest of my hair.

This is actually similar to a growing hair phenomenon called co-washing (short for conditioner washing which, as the name implies, uses only conditioner to wash the hair). Anyone tried it? What did you think? Did you buy one of the "cleansing conditioners" made for the purpose, or did you just use your favorite standby?

Quick Tip:Tweezer Resurrection

Ever go to pull out an errant brow hair only to notice that your tweezers have lost their pluck? If you're a smart girl (or boy) you've invested in a good quality pair of Tweezermans, and you can simply pop them in the mail, because they offer free lifetime sharpening (didn't you know?) My favorite are the slant tips (trust me, the point tweezers are deadly!) but that doesn't help us here and now does it? To wit- I actually own 2 pairs of Tweezermans (or is it Tweezermen?) so that I have one to use while the other is in the shop. BUT the road to hell...blah, blah, blah...intentions...best laid plans...well, it still doesn't mean I never run it to this conundrum. Fortunately, I've discovered a quick trick that will give your tweezers a few extra days.

All you need is the tweezers themselves and a medium grit double sided nail file. Take your tweezers, and sandwich the file between the two pincers. Clamp the tweezers down on the nail file. Now, here's the technical part, so read very carefully. While keeping pressure on the tweezers, pull the them off of the file. Repeat a few times. That's it. I suppose if you didn't have a nail file around, you could even fold a piece of sandpaper in half and do the same thing, you just wouldn't have the fancy, hi-tech feeling you get from using the nail file. Your choice.

You may want to dip your tweezers in some rubbing alcohol after you do this, to rinse away any metal dust, though I've never noticed any loose particles after doing it myself. Oh, and I promise I don't work for Tweezerman or anything- they're just good stuff.

Quick Tip: Pro Trick to Longer Wearing, Stay-in-Place Eye Liner!

This is one of my best tips, and it's so ingrained in my daily routine that I forget that it's not something everyone does! If you have problems with eye liner fading, smudging or transferring from one part of your lid to another (that's me!) you'll love this tip. This is also a great tip for beginners, since it helps to disguise any application mistakes!

Just as face powder helps to set your foundation, a powder (in the form of eyeshadow) placed over your liner can help it set and last longer. Simply draw on your liner, then take a small eyeliner or smudger brush (I like the Lancome #10 or MAC 212) and apply your choice of powder eyeshadow over where you placed the pencil. It's that simple!

For added staying powder without changing the look of your pencil line, choose a shadow shade close to your pencil, and use a thinner brush to place the powder on top of the pencil line. For a bit of added interest, try changing up the shade of your liner by layering it with different shades of shadow.

This trick is also perfect for people who aren't super-comfortable applying liner, or those that just prefer a less harsh line. Work the shadow into the liner with short, back and forth motions, which will blur the line a bit. This gives a softer, lightly smoky effect that hides the effects of a shaky, unsure hand!

Product Review/Quick Tip Combo!Batiste Dry Shampoo

I'm going to start this review with a quick tip you may not all know: you should NOT wash your hair daily. Shampooing washes away the natural oils produced by the scalp; this oil is your hair's built in conditioner that helps to protect against fraying and breaking. Experts recommend washing no more frequently than every other day. For dry, coarse, extremely curly, or chemically treated hair, that frequency drops to only 2-3 times a week.

Unfortunately, for those of us that have naturally fine hair, as well as those with overly active oil glands (if your facial skin is oily, your scalp is likely to be as well) skipping even a day can leave us with lank, dull, plain ol' nasty hair.

When I first started hearing about dry shampoos, I was hopeful I'd found the answer to this catch 22. I'd experimented with baby powder and corn starch in my youth, and while they worked to absorb the oil, they also left my hair with a whitish cast that hasn't been popular since the 18th century. Then I happened upon Bumble & Bumble's version, only to be disappointed again. Put off by the high-end product's matching high-end price tag, I decided to go in the opposite direction- start at the bottom of the price tag totem, and work my way up until I found the right stuff.

Luckily, I didn't have far to go- whilst perusing my local Sally Beauty Supply, I stumbled across Batiste Dry Shampoo. A cult (OK, not so "cult"- it's a #1 seller) favorite in the UK, I was familiar with the brand, so without hesitation, I snatched up a can at a thrifty $7.49.

Batiste is available in the US in 2 scents: Original Batiste is a clean, fresh scent with a crisp floral undertone. Batiste Blush is powdery, with more prevalent (but still light) floral notes. Both versions are light enough that they simply serve to freshen the hair, but won't conflict with any other perfume you happen to wear. Several other scents, as well as two colored versions, are available in the UK, but for some reason, not stateside.

I'll admit, I was skeptical about Batiste- I searched far and wide for a tinted dry shampoo before buying this one, because I was convinced that the white powder would make my hair look dull. What a nice surprise when I found that Batiste did nothing of the sort. Though it sprays on white, once it's shaken out & brushed through, my hair looks fresh, clean and, dare I say, shiny. My hair is a medium bright red, but I also tested it on my sister, who has brown hair that's so dark most call it black. No white in sight.

So, we now know that Batiste is light on the pocketbook, and doesn't leave you looking like you've had a food fight in a bakery- but is it really an apt substitute for the suds? I'd have to give an emphatic YES!!! I usually use Batiste on my 2nd day post-wash, when my roots are showing some definite slick- the point at which I couldn't leave the house without eliciting stares. I like to apply the spray directly to my roots, parting every 2 inches or so, and then let it sit for a few minutes before shaking it out. (I usually spray it in before I dress and leave it until I'm done.) Then, I flip my hair upside down and use my fingertips to rustle the roots and work the powder out, being careful not to miss less visible spots like around my temples and behind my ears. After 15 seconds or so, I flip back over, brush through, and I'm ready to go.

I'd give Batiste a 9 out of 10. Since discovering it, I haven't been tempted by the (more expensive) alternatives- I've repurchased several times, and will continue to do so. As I've mentioned before, I doubt you'll ever see me give a perfect 10, because I'm a firm believer that there's always room for improvement. Having said that, I can't imagine what improvement Batiste needs- if I had a "desert island" bag, this would certainly be in it!

Pros:

-Inexpensive; it's easily 1/2 to 1/3 of the price of comparable products.

-Readily available- even my local grocery store stocks it!

-Quick and easy alternative to traditional shampoo (great for extending time between blow-outs!)

-Doesn't look white or powdery, even in dark hair

-Hair stays relatively shiny after use- it's not a shine serum, but it doesn't dull hair like some other dry options I've tried.

-Spray goes where you want it- no errant flecks of powder all over your face, clothing or bathroom floor!

-Two scents available (more in the UK) both are clean but not overbearing.

-Compact canister is good for travel- other brands' cans are 3 times the size, yet contain LESS product!

Cons:

- I really can't think of any...my only gripe is that Batiste doesn't offer all of the scents (and the colored versions) in the US.

- Though I don't really consider it a "con", I should caution: you may not get as many uses out of a can as you'd initially expect, I'd say I get around 10 applications. I guess I was comparing it to a similarly sized can of hairspray and expecting as many uses. Then I realized that, unless you're a helmet head, you probably don't use nearly as much hairspray as dry shampoo, so it makes sense that it wouldn't last as long. When I paid $30+ for Bumble and Bumble's Hair Powder, the fact that I only got a few uses was a major con, but since Batiste is sooooo much cheaper, and I actually get more than B&B's, I personally consider it a non-issue.

Quick Tip: Mascara Resi-don't!

If you're constantly plagued by clumpy, flaking mascara, no matter what brand you use, it may surprise you to know that what's on your wand might not be at fault- it could be what's already on your lashes. If you count on your facial cleanser to remove your mascara at the end of the day, you may be leaving residue behind on your lashes. Even if the leftovers are invisible, residue from today's mascara can keep tomorrow's coat from performing the way it's meant to. If you notice that a new tube works great for a few days, then beings to fail you, build up could be the culprit. Use a gentle, non-oily remover like MAC's Pro Eye Makeup Remover before you wash your face every night. For more stubborn long wearing and waterproof formulas, try a dual-phase formula like Lancome's classic favorite, Bi-Facil.

Quick Tip: Hair Conditioning-How to Have a Deeper Experience!

Shower caps do more than keep water out- they can help keep moisture in! To get more bang out of your daily conditioning routine, wash your hair early on in your shower. Slather your hair with your favorite conditioner. Remember, your roots don't need a lot of conditioning, so I just do the the part that would hang down in a ponytail. Pile up your hair (sometimes I gently twist it into a bun & secure it with an elastic) and slap on a shower cap. The cap will keep the conditioner on your head as you go about the rest of your shower routine, and the heat from the shower will help to open your hair's cuticle so that the conditioner can penetrate better.

You can go cheap, with plain disposable processing caps (30 for $3.50) or you can search out a more attractive (not to mention eco-friendly) option. I found some super cute ones from Retro Revival, and at one point, Benefit was even making one in their Bathina line, so I know they exist. Either way, your hair will thank you!

Quick Tip: Know the Code

Speaking of shopping: before you buy anything online, Google the name of the site or product your shopping for, along with the word "code." Sites like RetailMeNot, tjoos and MyCoupons (among others) compile lists of both online discount codes and printable coupons. The selection ranges from high-end cosmetic brands to diapers to pet supplies, and everything in between. Many of the sites rely on consumer submissions, so the codes aren't always 100% reliable, but thankfully, most sites also have features allowing users to rate the success of a given code or coupon, so you know how likely yours is to work.

Just to give a couple of examples, in the last two weeks, I've saved $10 on a bookcase (from Hayneedle) for my daughter's room, and another $1o off of a cake pan and birthday party decorations from Celebrate Express. In case anyone was wondering, buying these products online- even before the discount codes- was actually less expensive than buying the same exact items from a brick and mortar retailer, even taking shipping costs into account.

BTW, this trick works if you search Twitter for the same words, though your success will probably be more limited. Good Luck!

Alcohol in Skincare; What you Don't Know Might Help You!

If you're like me, you're at the point in the year where you're desperately trying to conserve as much of your skin's moisture as possible. By this day in age, anyone who has had a skin care consultation or read one or two beauty rags knows to stay away from alcohol in skincare products. Alcohol gets a bad rap because it strips your skin's natural oils, drying it and breaking down it's protective barrier. That's old news.

Problem is, like so many other things in life, relying on stereotypes will only bring you trouble. Glance at a few creams and lotions in your bathroom cabinet and you're bound to find more than a few that contain alcohol. "WHAT is going on here?" you may demand. Have you been played the fool by stingy companies trying to steal your skin's precious moisture? Was the department store salesgirl spinning alcohol-free rhetoric actually a clueless twit (or perhaps a Puritan?) Calm down, and prepare yourself. You see, the truth that most people fail to mention is that not all alcohols are bad.

Certain alcohols are actually chains of fatty acids, and are used as a carrier agent to thicken or emulsify a product (so it doesn't separate like old mayo!) Far from being drying, fatty acid alcohols are actually emollient- meaning they help to prevent water loss from the skin, softening and soothing as they go.

So what now? Well, the list of alcohols is lengthy, and unless you've got a handy-dandy photographic memory, listing the good -vs- the bad ones isn't going to do anything but bore the pants off of all of us! Here's a simple verse I learned a few years ago that will make your life much easier (at least, where this issue is concerned.) So here's the magic phrase, revealing to you which alcohols are the GOOD ones:

"When you see alcohols, steer left"

so, we break down the mnemonic and get-

see alcohols= C alcohols (OK, fine, they're cetyl, cetearyl, cetostearyl and cetyl alcohol 40)

steer= Stearyl alcohol

left= Lanolin alcohol

So, now you know. Alcohol is nothing to be afraid of (I say so soon after New Years!)