August 4, 2017

Celebrating National Blowout Day with Playa and three ways to commemorate National Lipstick Day. (It's a big beauty week!)

It's National Blowout Day!

As if tomorrow’s National Lipstick Day wasn’t enough beauty brouhaha , today is National Blowout Day—and you better believe I’m observing with freshly washed (and straighten!) strands. I wouldn’t ordinarily do this on a day when it’s going to be in the 90s with 90% humidity, but I recently received products from a new brand called Playa, and I was really excited to give them a try.

My once-platinum hair is thisclose to being fully grown-out, but I still need a little post-styling smoothing. I’ve been weary of oils in the past since my hair is greasy to begin with (and I try to wash as little as possible), but when I read that the Ritual Hair Oil “imparts weightless shine and polish” I didn’t hesitate to use a drop or so of this kukui-apricot-sunflower oil blend on my ends. True to its word, it instantly added sleekness and shine with absolutely no heaviness or residue—I’m sold.

Since I’m not a huge fan of hair that looks too squeaky clean, I applied a little Pure Dry Shampoo a few hours later and, again, I’m totally sold. It smells insane thanks to rose petal powder and star anise, and it doesn’t leave even the slightest hint of white residue. Some other dry shampoos come out with a lot of force (which, in my opinion delivers way more than I actually need), but this one comes out in a fine mist so you get a light dusting rather than a powdery avalanche. It definitely delivers a volume boost as well.

The third product I received is currently on stand-by, but I’ll be trying the Endless Summer Spray the next time I wash. With sea salt for texture plus a marine collagen complex that promotes full, shiny, healthy-looking hair, I’m especially looking forward to this because it left no stickiness when I sprayed it on my hand. Stay tuned for an update on this one…

And if you don’t take my word for it, the line is also available at Violet Grey in L.A. (and online), and they’re about the pickiest in the biz when it comes to stocking new products.

P.S. Check out the Hair Essential Kit, which includes all the must-haves for a magnificent mane!

How to celebrate National Lipstick Day

Have you missed me? I hope no one has been experiencing IBB withdrawal—but rest assured I brought lots of beauty booty (and blog fodder) home with me from NYC! Since the post-vacation depression hasn’t set in just yet, I’m in a celebratory mood and all about National Lipstick Day this Saturday. If you want to get in on the action, too, here’s a great giveaway and a few new lippies to try to help get you fired up!

FREE lipstick from M.A.C.
If you’re up early on Saturday, hightail it over to your closest M.A.C store for a free lipstick! Yes, you read that correctly… You can get a full-size lipstick while supplies last!

Use your lips to empower women
L’Oreal Paris recently launched their Colour Riche Matte Lipstick, and they’re using National Lipstick Day to kick off the #ReadMyLips campaign. Simply post a selfie of your pout on social media—along with a message, inspirational quote or your favorite cause—to raise awareness, start a conversation or just let the world know what’s important to YOU! (Be sure to tag @LOREALMAKEUP, #LOREALPARIS and #READMYLIPS.)

Treat yourself
There’s never been a better day to expand your lipstick collection, but if you already have every shade under the sun, try Sassy Lips! Quite possibly the prettiest lipstick you’ve ever seen, the transparent bullets contain a single chrysanthemum blossom—and the balm-like formula transforms into a glossy pink or fuchsia depending on your body temperature.

How will you commemorate National Lipstick Day this year?