March 3, 2017

John Frieda's DIY treatment for 10 days of frizz-free strands, Makeup Drop is the BeautyBlender alternative to know about, the hand cream I can't get enough of and more from Jan Marini and DryBar.

10 days of smooth, sleek strands in just 10 minutes

So a funny thing happened once my hair recovered from the post-platinum (literal) fall-out… It grew back crazy wavy in the front—to the point that I have to use a flat-iron to get the (again, literal) kinks out. This isn’t the end of the world, since I’m basically just happy to have healthy hair again, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to try to smooth things over a bit (although I’m not taking any drastic measures).

That’s why I bought (and now religiously use) John Frieda’s 10-Day Tamer Pre-Shower Treatment. Designed to make your hair easier to style (because less heat equals less damage) and fight frizz, this easy-to-use treatment simply makes your hair behave better. All you have to do it slather it on dry hair, let the smoothing ingredients penetrate for eight to 10 minutes (this is great opportunity to do a mask or clean up your eyebrows), and then wash, condition and style as usual.

Just to be clear, you CAN wash your hair within the 10 days and still enjoy your more manageable mane, but sticking to a schedule of three treatments per month ensures your hair is smooth, sleek and easier to style all the time. Other upsides of this transformative product include widespread availability (no need to hunt it down or order online) and a price that’s significantly less than in-salon smoothing treatments.

If only it was this easy to get my 8-year-old son to cooperate…

Essie "On the Roadie"

Does this new makeup applicator live up to the hype?

A few months back, the beauty blogosphere starting going bananas over a totally new makeup applicator called the Makeup Drop, so naturally I had to get my hands on one. Made of non-porous silicone (it feels like one of those “chicken cutlet” bra inserts), the reviews were mixed, which made me even more eager to try it. The biggest “pro” I kept seeing over and over again was that it doesn’t waste any product since it doesn’t absorb anything like traditional sponges. Another upside is that it’s really easy to clean. The biggest “con” seemed to be a streaky result, but I decided to stay open-minded until its arrival.

I didn’t waste any time once I had the Makeup Drop in my hands. After dabbing a bit of foundation on my cheeks, forehead, chin and nose, I started blotting as instructed. I feel like it did more smearing than blending, but it did help spread my foundation all over my face. I definitely used less foundation than I would with a BeautyBlender, so that was a plus. But I did have to follow up with my BeautyBlender to smooth things out and get a more even finish.

Am I obsessed with the Makeup Drop like some of my fellow bloggers? No. Does it have a place in my makeup drawer? Yes—simply because the ability to use less foundation helps my bottle last longer, and if you’re using an expensive product that’s a good thing.

The brand-new natural hand cream you need right now

Hand cream is a skincare staple, and we all need one within reach at all times. I have a short list of must-meet criteria when it comes to hand creams, and it includes no greasy residue, fast absorption, not too strongly scented and long-lasting moisture. With that said, I’m happy to report that Karité Shea Butter’s Crème Mains more than makes the cut.

This brand-new hand cream has a lot going for it. For those of you who prefer a “green” beauty routine, it’s made with all-natural ingredients—with the star being raw, unrefined shea butter imported from Ghana (and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a moisturizer with a higher concentration of it). There’s also sustainably sourced palm oil and organic coconut oil (and very little else). The scent is soft and delicate, and even though I just slathered it on a few minutes ago, I’m able to type and use my track pad without leaving any sticky fingerprints behind.

I also love a brand with a good backstory, and Karité has that, too. This hand cream (and hopefully it’s just the first of many products) was created by three sisters from Ghana determined to share the skin-smoothing benefits of the pure shea butter they grew up using. And for the record, one of them is a dermatologist you know your skin is in good hands (no pun intended) even if you have eczema, psoriasis or sensitive skin.

We all need to be supporting businesses led by smart, sassy women—and in this case your hands will benefit as well!

This super serum hydrates, plumps and even helps your skin tolerate retinoids

I was beyond excited when I learned that Differin was going to be available over-the-counter, as I’ve been using a retinoid on and off since I was about 14. At first I used Retin-A solely for acne, but more than three decades later it’s a must for both clear skin and anti-aging. The only problem with my on-again/off-again retinoid relationship is the inevitable flaking I experience every time I start using it again after taking a break, but I’ve learned to plan accordingly if I have an event or meeting scheduled a few days later.

After what seemed like months of stalking CVS before Differin finally appeared on store shelves, I promptly purchased one and started using it nightly. Right around that time I read a story online or in a magazine (I honestly can’t remember where) that said a hyaluronic acid serum can help prevent the dryness, flaking and irritation that commonly occur as the skin acclimates to a retinoid. Then, as if the skincare stars aligned, Jan Marini’s new Hyla3D arrived on my doorstep and I’ve been using it nightly as well ever since.

Thanks to this amazing serum I’ve had no retinoid-induced peeling or flaking, but that’s just the first benefit of this hyaluronic acid-based product. It obviously ensures my skin stays hydrated (that’s what HA does), and it also plumps up fine lines and makes my skin super-smooth the instant I apply it. This serum definitely delivers over the short-term, but I’m actually more excited for the long-term benefits. Beyond moisturizing your skin the moment you use it, Hyla3D is formulated to promote your skin’s natural HA levels over time, in turn keeping skin youthfully plump and breaking the dryness/dehydration cycle. Even more, it contains peptides and antioxidants for further anti-aging results.

I’ve tried other HA serums in the past and I’ve found them to be too thick and heavy for my skin—but not this one. Hyla3D has an almost liquid-like consistency that absorbs quickly without leaving any residue so I can move on to my next skincare step immediately without worrying about product pilling or wasting any time.

Trust me, I was a bit reluctant to add yet another step to my evening skincare regimen but it’s been well worth it. I get all the anti-aging ammo of a retinoid, no side effects, an extra dose of moisture and overall smoother, plumper, healthier looking skin. So if you have a love/hate relationship with your retinoid, couple it with this serum and you’ll find it much easier to commit!

Bigger isn’t always better—at least when it comes to a flat iron

How many times have you wished your flat iron was a bit more travel-friendly? Sure, it’s easy to throw into a suitcase, but what if you’re running around town from meeting to meeting and wished you could stash one in your tote for touch-ups throughout the day—without totally weighing yourself down? (Or maybe you never wished this because you’ve been trained to think you have to leave your straightener at home.)

Thanks to Drybar’s new Tiny Tress Press, you can have it both ways. In addition to your full-size straightener for full-on styling, you can toss this miniature version in any bag so you always have the ability to tame your tresses, whether bangs, flyaways or even frizz at the roots. (And it’s so compact that it can even be used to straighten pixie-short hair!) It also heats up fast when you’re on the run and it comes with a heat-proof pouch so you can be on your way before it even cools down completely.

Ideal for your gym bag, overnight bag, carry-on bag, work bag, desk or even a finishing tool after you’ve used your regular straightening iron, the Tiny Tress Press is proof that good things come in small packages (including good hair days).