A Blonde's Best Friend

If you're a blondie, like myself, this post is for you! If you're not a blondie, I'm sorry. 

 

Alright, my blonde sisters, lets talk purple shampoo! If you have never heard of purple shampoo, you need to read every single word of this post because it will change your life, and your golden locks, FOREVER!

What is purple shampoo? Only the best invention to ever grace the showers of us blonde women. We have all had those moments when we look in the mirror and notice that our blonde locks look a little...well...yellow. No one wants yellow hair! Enter purple shampoo! Purple shampoo deposits violet pigment into the hair to neutralize brassy tones in blonde, gray, and white hair. You may be asking yourself how does violet pigment neutralize brassy tones? The answer is simple! Color theory! (Which was explained to me during my years working in hair salons) Yellow and violet are across from each other on the color wheel (a.k.a. opposites...duh!) and therefore, cancel each other out.

The first time I was introduced to color shampoos in general was when I had the brilliant idea to go brunette. I was working at a salon at the time and had picked out a gorgeous auburn color. I was so excited to rock the dark locks when my hairstylist/co-worker and I found out my hair is extremely porous! This means my hair soaks up color. So instead of that gorgeous auburn color, my hair was awkward shades of black and orange. PERFECT! After hours of color correction, my co-worker sent me home with a bottle of Paul Mitchell color depositing shampoo for brunettes. It worked wonders at neutralizing that ugly orange color in my hair.

Fast forward a few years to when I came to my senses and realized I looked awful as a brunette and went back to my blonde roots. I grew up in the country with well water, and if you too have well water, you know the rust in the water can turn your platinum locks yellow fast! I also noticed my hair turning yellow in the summer when I spent a lot of time in the sun and pool. I remembered my good experience with color depositing shampoo and picked up some Redken Blonde Glam Pure Pearl, a color depositing treatment. This was thee best product for platinum blondes and a piece of my heart died the day they discontinued it.

My personal fave in the purple shampoo department is Joico Color Endure Violet Shampoo, which can be bought at Ulta stores. This shampoo also has a matching conditioner, but I find that the shampoo alone does the trick for me. Simply lather it into your hair, let sit for 3-5 minutes, and then rinse! Warning! If you use purple shampoo too often, it will turn your hair a nasty gray color. It is recommended that you use purple shampoo no more than 2-3 times a week. 

So all my blondies, do yourself a favor and drive yourself to the nearest Ulta/hair salon/beauty supply store and buy yourself a bottle of purple shampoo. You will thank me when your gorgeous highlights (that we know we spend a fortune on) look fresh and brass-free weeks after visiting the salon. 

**If you haven't yet entered my e.l.f. Studio Creme Eyeliner and $15 Target GC Giveaway yet, click here to do so! The giveaway ends Monday, July 16th at midnight EST. Don't miss out!!**

Golden Silk in a Bottle: Product Review

A couple weeks ago Raven shared some of her Friday Favorites with all of us in Bloggerville. The first on her list? Dove Nourishing Oil Hair Therapy Detangler. Knowing myself, I was immediately sucked into her review because I can never say no to a good hair product. The next time I was at Thee Best Place on Earth...otherwise known as Target, I picked some up. Enter Golden Silk in a Bottle:

 Oh.Em.Gee. (emphasis on the dramatics) This bottle of goodness did not disappoint. If Captain Obvious needs to point out the...well...obvious...this products is an oil conditioner/detangler. I know, the word oil probably scares you, but I basically spray half a bottle in my hair (over-exaggeration, obviously) and my hair is not the least bit oily.

It smells ah-mazing and it honestly makes my hair feel so soft. If I could take a picture of how soft it makes my hair, I would. But since I'm not sure how that is possible, let me try to explain. My hair feels like...

{Straight up silk}

{Those ultra soft baby blankets}

{A baby's bottom}

via

Okay, okay, you get the point. I also spray a little bit in my hair the second day after washing it, and again, softness galore! I've also noticed it's done wonders for my frizzy, wirey dog hair I get when it's humid as all get out. The more moisture in your hair equals less water your hair will be drinking up during the day which ultimately equals goodbye frizz! Now that's music to my ears. 

Best part about this product? It's only $5! Ladies, do yourself a favor and literally run to the nearest drugstore, Target, what-have-you, and buy yourself a bottle of this goodness. Your hair will thank you. And so will that guy romantically running his hands through your hair when his fingers aren't suddenly stopped by some gigantic knot. And then you will thank yourself because we all know how much it hurts to get your hair ripped out. And then you will thank me. You're Welcome!

June's Birchbox

You can guess how excited I was when my June Birchbox arrived at my house. I've been obsessively tracking the box since Birchbox sent me an e-mail letting my know it shipped.

This month's theme revolves around Jet Setting! June is the month to begin summer travels, so what better way to kick off vacation season than with a box full of products to help make your vacation that much better!

1. tili Bags // This adorable plastic bag is designed to hold you travel liquids and samples, especially useful for the airport. I appreciate that Birchbox sent me this, but it just makes me angry that I won't be jetting off to an undisclosed tropical location any time in the near future. I guess I'll just have to hold on to this until I find someone who wants to fund a cruise for me! (I'm taking applications just in case you were interested...but really...)

2. John Varvatos Star U.S.A for Men // Okay Birchbox, that's nice of you to throw in a sample for Justin or my dad, but I'm sometimes selfish and this box is supposed to be 100% for me, so you could have excluded this. Danka! But really, I smelt this cologne and it reminded me too much of my dad, so Justin won't be getting this...awkward! It's a blend of ginger, juniper, berries, and vetiver, and in my opinion, the perfect cologne to get your dad for Father's Day!

3. Comodynes Self-Tanning Intensive // I love that I got these European self-tanning towelettes! I've tried quite a few self-tanners, but never in towelette form. I'm pretty dark right now (thank you skin for tanning so freaking easily) so I'll be keeping these bad boys to use once my tan goes away.

4. theBalm cosmetics Stainiac in Beauty Queen // By far, the best thing I got in my Birchbox this month! Inside this little tube is the best lip and cheek stain I have tried yet. The color reminds me a lot of Benefit's Bene Tint, only so much better. Unlike Bene Tint, which is a liquid, Stainiac is a gel, making application oh so easy. You know how some liquid stains leave an awkward line 10x darker on your lower lip? Not Stainiac! The gel formula helps to make even application so easy! Its also very long-lasting! I used Stainiac on both my lips and cheeks today, and the color lasted honestly all day! At $17 for a full size tube, it sure beats Bene Tint's $29.00 bottle!

5. Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect // This leave- in condition smells amazing! I have to admit though, I'm pretty obsessed with Dove Nourishing Oil Hair Therapy Detangler right now (review coming soon!) so I didn't really welcome this product with open arms. This product is designed to detangle, defrizz, and protect hair from UV-rays. Now, I can't exactly determine if my hair is more protected or not and my hair is always beyond frizzy (enter Dove Nourishing Oil Hair Therapy Detangler, but that's for another time) I can't really write much about those. It did do a good job at detangling, though!

6. beautyblender blendingcleanser // Let me admit, when I first glanced at the product description card, I thought I received thee beautyblender, and was a little bit disappointed to read that I really just received the sponge and brush cleanser. But, it really is a great product. I used it this morning to rid my make-up brushes of excess make-up and oil. Would I spend $17.95 for a full-size bottle? Heck no! But I'll enjoy the sample while it lasts.

This month's Birchbox wasn't my favorite, but there were a couple of products that I'm really glad I have the chance to try out. What did you get in you June Birchbox? 

**If you haven't entered for a chance to win my Essie Giveaway, do it!! Click here to go directly to the blog post. Good luck! **

Let's Talk About HAIR!

If there's one thing I know about, it's hair! I've spent a total of three years as a salon receptionist. Let me tell you, I was quite the salon receptionist back in the day! (Ladies, if you're looking for a great part time job, hit up your local salons! Three words...DISCOUNT. ON. PRODUCTS!) I worked in salons that had some amazing stylists with so many years of experience and had the opportunity to learn about hair and products from them. I want to share with you some of my favorite hair products.

WARNING: I'm obsessed with hair products, so there's a lot!

Favorite Shampoos

I have two favorite shampoos. The first being Nature's Gate Tea Tree Shampoo. I buy this gem in a 32oz. bottle at Plum Market for $10. Tea Tree Oil is great for calming a dry, itchy scalp! I've shared with you all that I was blessed with my parent's bad genes and have eczema. Unfortunately, because I don't rub lotion all over my head, the eczema on my scalp gets pretty bad in these Michigan winters. This shampoo helps calm and moisturize my scalp. And for those of you who are beyond blessed and don't have to deal with a dry scalp, this shampoo still will do wonders for you! Healthy scalp = healthy hair!

My second favorite shampoo is Biolage Hydrating Shampoo. This shampoo smells heavenly! When I turned 16, I got my first job as a receptionist at a salon in my hometown and they used this shampoo and the conditioner. I fell in love with it then and I am still in love. It's the perfect moisturizing shampoo! It makes my hair as soft as a babies butt and smell oh so good. I highly recommend any product in the Biolage Hydrating line! If your salon doesn't carry the Biolage line, you can find it in any Ulta store.

Favorite Conditioner

I absolutely LOVE the Redken Extreme Conditioner. It's packed with protein to help strengthen my over-processed hair. If you color/highlight, or use a lot of heat on your hair (blow-dry, straighten, curling iron) your hair needs protein! Protein helps to strengthen our hair and prevent it from breaking. BUT, too much of a good thing is a bad thing, as they say. Too much protein will cause your hair to become brittle and will break. If you use a shampoo or conditioner packed with protein, only use it a couple times a week. Switch it out with a moisturizing conditioner like Biolage Hydrating Conditioner. Oh, did I mention this products smells so delicious? I want to eat it! You can find this product, if not at your salon, at an Ulta store. It is also sometimes sold in drugstores.

Favorite Deep Conditioner

I discovered this product at the salon I worked at during my Sophomore year of college. TIGI S Factor Serious Conditioner. This bad boy costs a pretty penny but I have yet to find a deep conditioner that I like better. It has a questionable smell (but don't worry, the smell rinses out with the product) but it leaves your hair feeling softer than soft! A lot of stylists recommend that you deep condition your hair every two weeks, but I deep condition once a week. My hair is naturally curly, which also makes it naturally dry...boo! Bring on the deep conditioner! I have yet to find this product in any stores, but I have bought it on Amazon before.

Favorite Restructuring Treatment

My hair stylist (who also happens to be my best cousin) introduced me to this product. Redken CAT Restructuring Treatment is a protein treatment. This product has an ingredient that transforms the inner structure of the hair shaft by putting protein back in. It helps strengthen the hair shaft making it less likely to break. I do a CAT treatment once every two weeks in between shampooing and conditioning. Because this product is packed with protein, I don't recommend you use it more often. Redken CAT is amazing! My hair is stronger and grows so much faster than before. HIGHLY recommended! This product isn't sold in salons or in stores. If you're interested in purchasing it, ask your hair stylist if she could order it for you. You can also search for it on Amazon, but make sure you buy it from a trusted seller, preferably a salon!

Favorite Straightening Serum

I recently bought this product and it has surpassed any product I have ever used! Redken Real Control Slim Supreme is the ultimate straightening serum. I apply it right before I blow-dry and a small amount after straightening my hair. This product helps to reduce unwanted volume, eliminates frizz, and resists humidity...all of which I need when I straighten my hair! I've read so many reviews on this product and I haven't found anyone who doesn't absolutely love this product.

Favorite Curling Cream

Again, my cousin introduced me to this product. Curly Sexy Hair Curl Power Spray Foam. That's a mouth full. Love love LOVE this product. Like it says, it's a spray foam and actually kind of sticky. When I apply it, I flip my head upside down, spray some of the product into my hands and scrunch it through my hair. This product amplifies your curls without making them crunchy like mousse or gel does. It also does wonders for wavy hair!

Favorite Hairspray

I like a hairspray that has a good hold but still gives my hair some movement. I know you've seen those women! It's a fricken tornado outside but their hair doesn't move an inch. Yeah, no thank you! Enter Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play Volumizing Hairspray! This hairspray has the hold that lasts all day but still allows you to run your fingers through your hair. All you TJ Maxx ladies out there, you can almost always find this amazing hairspray in their hair product section! I also love using this hairspray to hold my curls when I let my hair dry naturally. It keeps my curls in tact all day long and give them some volume. No one likes limp curls!

Have you tried any of these products? What are your faves?

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo, J

I Got My Toes In The Water

Ladies, I've been reading for some time now about all of your beach escapades and I was so so jealous. Well, this weekend it was finally time for us Michiganders to hit the beach!

With 80+ degree weather, my madre and I hit the beach on Saturday!

Well, not exactly a beach beach. More like a grassy beach on a small lake.

 

But the point is, I finally got to lay outside and get my tan on! While turning into a Sun Goddess, I decided a blog post all about my beach essentials would be the perfect way to start off the summer!

Obviously, the very first thing you need is a bathing suit! This isn't Europe, people! Cover the goods up! I'm pretty obsessed with bikinis and am always pulled to the Swimwear section of Target as soon as they set it up in early January. {Oh yes! I've been meaning to pick up a new swimsuit since its the arctic tundra outside!} I'm a freak about tan lines so I stick to bikini tops that are strapless or have detachable straps.

{via}

 

{via}

A cute cover-up is always a necessity! Saturday, I used this cotton dress from Target as a cover-up. It's light weight and colorful and I got a lot of compliments!

{via}

I feel like I need to add sunscreen on this list, even though I hate it. {I know, I know. I'm awful!} The main reason I hate it is because it irritates my sensitive skin, especially my face. But don't be getting your panties in a bunch, I still wear the awful stuff. I've found a sunscreen brand that works well for my skin and doesn't make my face feel like my skin is melting off. 

I love Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen! And they have the best tanning oil {with SPF 15} that I have ever found!

And, in my opinion, the most important beach {or pool} essential is a good read! This is where I need your help, ladies! I don't know what to read! {And PLEASE don't recommend Fifty Shades of Gray...NOT my style!} I must confess that I am currently reading Lauren Conrad's second book Sweet Little Lies {and yes, that means I read the first book, too} but I am looking for a good summer read! Last summer, I read every single Nicholas Sparks book and I'm so upset there are no more for me to indulge in! What are some of your favorite summer reads? I need something amazing to download on my Kindle Fire!

Next weekend can't come quick enough. I'm in need of another day out in the sun! 

Happy Monday, ladies! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo, J

May Birchbox

Ladies, the day has finally come...

My first Birchbox arrived yesterday!!!

I was so beyond excited to open the mail box and see this little gem sitting in there. This month's Birchbox was inspired by the TV show, Gossip Girl. I'm honestly not really into the show, but I did read all of the books back in the day!

I was so excited about my very first Birchbox that I tore it open right away. And this is what I found!

Samples of six different products and an adorable note card (envelope included!). Who knows who I'll send the note card to, but it's still really cute!

(From top to bottom)


Kérastase Cristalliste Bain Cristal - Luminous Perfecting Shampoo. This shampoo removes oil from your scalp without drying out the ends.

Kérastase Cristalliste Lait Cristal - Luminous Perfecting Conditioner. This ultra rich condition is packed with hydrating aloe.

stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Curacao. This is one of my favorite products I received. This eyeliner is a gorgeous sparkly navy blue color. This product claims to be very long-lasting with easy application thanks to the pen-like wand. I can't wait to try it out!

(From left to right)

Color Club Nail Polish in Disco Nap. I'm a sucker for gold metallic nail polish with a summer tan, so I'm pretty excited to try this out!

Kérastase Cristalliste Lumiére Liquide. This is a shine serum that you put on your hair when it's dry. My naturally curly hair tends to get a little dull after all that blow-drying and straightening, so I'm always up for trying a new shine serum. And a plus - it smells AMAZING!

Dr. Jart + Waterfuse BB Cream. This is, hands down, the product I am most excited about! All this buzz about BB cream has really got me interested. This four-in-one mositurizer, serum, sunscreen, and skin-perfecting tint is going to be perfect for this time of the year when I wear less makeup. 

I'm not super thrilled about the shampoo and conditioner and wish I would have gotten samples of different makeup products instead, but you can't always get what you want! Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with my first Birchbox ever, and I'm already excited about my next box!

What did you get in your Gossip Girl Birchbox?

xoxo, J

P.S. Who watched The Bachelorette last night?? I honestly hate the hype of The Bachelor/Bachelorette (have any of these relationships ever actually worked out?!?) but I watched the season that Emily won and I just love her! It must be the fact that she's the Southern Belle I've always wanted to be!

Latest Obsessions

Today while my toddlers we're taking a nap, I was trying to stay awake/pretending to be working (but really just Facebook stalking) when I started to make a mental list of everything I've become obsessed with the past couple of weeks. And since I have this so-called list, it only makes sense to blog about it!

So here you go people...my latest obsessions:

1. Hope in a Jar for Dry Skin

While this little gem isn't exactly cheap, it is AMAZING. I have eczema, so not only is my skin super sensitive to products, but its unbelievably dry (like Sahara desert dry). This moisturizer does wonders for my dry, sensitive skin. I smooth it over my face every night and my skin still feels moisturized in the morning! It is a rich facial moisturizer, and for me, is too heavy for the day time, but perfect for overnight.

2. Fishtail Braids

Really, I've been obsessed with fishtail braids for a while now, but since I rocked one today, I thought I would post about it. It took me a while to master the fishtail, and many YouTube videos, but I did it! I have really fine hair, so if my hair is straight or clean, a fishtail braid won't stay. I usually wear a fishtail braid the day after I let my hair be naturally curly (I usually wash my hair every other day). The extra texture of curly hair helps to make my fishtail braid last all day.

3. Statement Necklaces

I absolutely love this J. Crew bubble necklace, but the $150 pricetag is outrageous! I mean, I love it but not that much! After some searching the web, I found a replica on Ebay for about $30. It's going to be mine! Let's be honest people, does anyone really care if the necklace around my neck is J. Crew or a knock-off? Because I sure don't!

4. Chobani Greek Yogurt

   
Once you go Greek, you never go back. That's a saying, right?!? But seriously, Greek yogurt is so much better than that regular stuff. I eat a Chobani every morning... every morning. Strawberry is my personal fav, delish! Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than normal yogurt and has twice the protein! Yum!

5. Sephora Facial Brush

I had been looking at the Clairsonic Mia facial brush for some time, but again with the pricetag, ridiculous! I had dinner with a friend when she told me that she picked up this little gem at Sephora for $5! The next time I was at the mall, I went to Sephora and picked one up. For $5, this facial brush is amazing. My skin legitimately feels cleaner and smoother! And the best part is you use less facial cleanser since the brush really helps lather it up! 

What are your latest obsessions?


XOXO
        
            Yours Truly ♥