Current favorite hair products (hair routine)

Hello there!I thought it was time I gave an update on my current favorite hair products. I didn't bother showing shampoo or anything since it's usually fairly similar, so I decided to just share some styling products I love.

First off, if you've seen really any of my hair posts on my blog you'll know I'm obsessed with the Dove dry shampoo. I've tried many dry shampoos and it's the only one that really works for me.

Garnier's Texture Tease is great when I'm looking  for something other than dry shampoo to tease my hair with. it holds the volume really well.

I really love using hair creams on wet hair and Bed Head's Motor Mouth is perfect. it smooths my hair and gives is more texture and volume. It also smells so divine.

Another Garnier product I love is the Root Amp mousse. Great on wet hair when I need a volume boost.

And lastly, Pantene's volume hairspray hold my curls so well!

Hope you're enjoying the first day of Summer!

Garnier Fructis Root Amp

 I have been really busy lately with everything, so hopefully I will be able to get back on schedule soon! I've had this hair product for a little while now, and I realized I have not yet reviewed it. I figured I'd review it today since I'm a bit short on time. I found this on sale for around $3 which is a great deal! I find that Garnier Fructis products can be found for very inexpensive and they often work well for me!

It suggest to section damp hair and spray under each section at the roots so that's exactly what I did. It shoots out in a quite defined stream to be sure to focus it on the proper area. After a bit of scrunching, it feels slightly crunchy by not too much. If you apply too much, it's way too crunchy.

It does add a bit more texture to my hair. I haven't noticed a drastic volume change but my hair definitely feels lighter at the roots and holds a tease a lot better.
For my very flat product, I really do enjoy this product!

RATINGS:

Packaging: 8/10

Volume: 8/10

Price: 10/10

Would I repurchase?: Yeah!
Would I recommend?: Yes!

Overall: 8.5/10

That's all for today! :)

Bed Head Extreme Straight Shampoo & Conditioner

 Hello there! So I have another review coming your way! This time I'm reviewing the Bed Head shampoo and conditioner I've been using for a little bit now. I picked these up in a set on, clearance at Target before it closed (still sad about that), for a really good deal! I was a little confused as to why the shampoo is noticeably larger than the conditioner. When I first started using it I still had my long hair, so I require nearly twice as much conditioner as shampoo. Now that my hair is shoulder length, I use less conditioner and the sizes worked out. I would prefer if they were just the same size however.
As for the extreme straight claims, I can't say I've noticed much of a difference if any at all. My natural hair isn't curly or straight. it's kind of wavy but not super wavy. When I let my hair air dry, it dries the exact same. I don't really blow dry my hair but maybe that would work better?
The consistency of both is a bit thinner than most which I don't love. But they do smell great and do a fair job. I honestly probably wouldn't repurchase these since they didn't stand out to me at all.

Happy Wednesday! :)

Hair transformation

So recently I did a thing... I cut my super duper long hair to a mid shoulder length after having long hair for over 3 years! I am so happy to have finally made the change since I've been wanting to for months now. I got my hair cut and colored last Wednesday and I am absolutely in love with it. It feels so much lighter and healthier and I love the way it looks. I love the tone since it isn't too orange-y. I feel like I have so much more freedom with my hair now! I thought I'd share a few transformation pics. I didn't realize how much I cut off until I compared these photos!

 I really loved my long hair but I was more than ready for a good change!

Happy Mother's Day to any Moms out there and to my own!

Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer

 This week has been super hectic for me. I wasn't able to schedule my weekly posts last weekend like I usually do which just added to all of the commotion. I'm still trying my best to get up all of my planned posts so we'll see how it goes! Today I thought I'd review the Redken Pillow Proof Blow dry primer that I received for Christmas. I had tried this product before at the salon and I loved it. My hair is extremely thick and long so I nearly never go to the trouble of blow drying it. Blow drying my hair can take up to an hour without any product, so I tend to avoid it if possible.

 First off, the packaging is really cute. I love the pink theme, it's very girly. The product itself is amazing. I could never have imagined a product like this. When my hairdresser first used this on me, I was super surprised. She blow dried my hair in half the time it usually takes! I knew I needed this product knowing my hair.

All I do to use this is section my hair into 2 or 3 sections, shake the bottle and spray about five sprays onto the section I'm working on. I brush it through and start blow drying. The product doesn't smell the nicest but it works wonders! It completely cuts blow drying time in half!

This is a higher end hair product so it's a bit pricey at about $22 but I really do think it's worth it. If your hair already take very little time it's probably not worth it. But if your hair holds you back from blow drying your hair, I would definitely recommend this. I don't think enough people know about this product, it is so unique and amazing.

 

Make sure to shake it up before you use it since you can tell there are 2 obvious sections. 

RATINGS

 Use: 10/10

Price: 6/10

Scent: 6/10

Would I repurchase?: Yes! But I probably won't be running out too soon.

Would I recommend?: YES!
Overall: 9/10

That's about it, enjoy your day :)

Big hair

I have just about the flattest hair ever, so I require a little assistance in that department. I'm no expert at getting volume, however I do have a little practice with it and I've gotten myself into a routine. My routine isn't extravagant in any way, just a few products and a comb! I feel like big, messy hair has been fairly popular lately. I'm a slight neat freak, so I don't usually go for the messy look (well, once in a while). Here's how I like to add a bit more volume to my locks.

First I choose a hair product. I use a different product depending on my hair that day. If my hair is 2nd or 3rd day, I'll go for my Dove Dry Shampoo. This holds volume quite well for me and refreshes my hair by soaking up extra oils. 

If my hair is freshly washed, I like to choose Garnier's Texture Tease. It doesn't hold volume as well as dry shampoo, but I don't like weighing down my hair with dry shampoo when it's clean. The Texture Tease doesn't feel too heavy and it adds some texture.

If my hair is feeling especially flat, I'll add some hairspray when I'm done with the whole shebang. My favorite is L'Oreal's Elnett. It's weightless yet it holds really well.

Next a choose a comb. You can really use anything to tease with, I personally prefer a teasing comb or brush. The one with the bristles of the left is from Target (Goody I believe) and the pink one is from Sally's Beauty Supply. Both under $5! I find the Goody comb to work best for me and I use it when I want more volume and texture. If I'm looking for slight volume and less of a messy look, I'll use the pink one.

When I begin, I'll start by sectioning off the crown of my head. First I spray with whichever product I chose, then I'll backcomb until there's a ton of volume. I'll flip that to the front of my head and grab another section below it. I usually do 2 or 3 sections. After that, I flip the teased hair back and it looks a bit crazy. I then smooth it down with the comb lightly so that I don't remove the volume. Then I move onto the side of my head and tease it the same way. Make sure you tease rather than rat. Remove the comb from your head each time you backcomb so that you don't create a huge knot.

That's my basic routine for adding a bit of volume to my hair!

Garnier Fructis Leave In Conditioner ~ Review

I recently reviewed the Garnier Texture Tease spray. I purchased this leave in conditioner at the same time, for $3 as well, so I thought I'd review this too! I've been using his for a while now and I'm beginning to love it. Enjoy, xx

I have used the Rusk leave in cream detangler a while back and I kind of forgot to repurchase again. When I saw this on sale, it reminded me of that so I picked it up! This has a a typical Garnier hair product scent which isn't unappealing. 

I use about a quarter sized amount since I have a ton of hair! I apply it to wet hair, work it through and brush my hair to distribute it. It detangles my hair and makes it way easier to comb through. 

As my hair dries, I notice it to be softer and have less tangles. Since I let my hair air dry, it takes quite a while. When It's finally done drying, it isn't the softest or silkiest. However when I braid it and sleep on it, it becomes so soft and silky by the morning! It's quite a nice product for only $3!

OVERALL:
Price: 10/10!
Detangling power: 9/10

Conditioning power: 8.5/10
Would I repurchase?: YES!
Would I recommend?: For sure!
Overall: 9/10

I really liked this product and am super glad I picked it up. I would definitely recommend it if you can get your hands on it!

Blogmas 2014: Day 18 ~ Garnier Texture Tease Review

So I recently picked up the new Garnier Fructis De-Constructed Texture Tease dry touch finishing spray. Wow, is that ever a long name! I had not heard many things about it but it looked interesting and was on sale for $3! I thought I'd better review it soon while it's still new!

This smells quite nice and comes out almost like a dry shampoo. It took me a while to find out what I preferred to sue this product for, since the description is a bit vague. I found the perfect purpose for it! What I like to do is use this on days when my hair is clean to help with teasing. Usually I use dry shampoo to tease, however I don't like using dry shampoo on clean hair. This works really well to build a tease and it adds a lot of volume and texture. This didn't hold all day for more however my hair never really holds a tease well.
I've also tried using this by spraying it throughout my hair to add a bit of texture and that works well too!
Overall
Price: 10/10
Lasting Power: 7/10
Texture: 9/10
Tease Hold: 9/10
Would I repurchase?: Quite possibly
Would I recommend?: Yes!
Overall: 8/10

And that's about it! :) Only 1 week 'till Christmas!

Blogmas 2014: Day 2 ~ Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist Review

I have a ton of reviews to get through this month so I figured now is the perfect time to start! I realized that I never reviewed the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle that I got way back in July! I was actually able to get my hands on a couple more bottles so that should hold me off for a while. Anyways, I've never seen this in Canada (sadly) yet it is one of my favorite hair products!

The packaging is very useful. There is no cap you need to open however the product doesn't come spilling out. I had heard numerous good things about this product and felt I had to get my hands on it. Even after just using it once, I remember falling in love.

You only need to leave this in your hair for 3 minutes, as the name says, and it leaves your hair feeling incredibly smooth. I don't have very damaged hair however I do love making it softer and this does the trick! I use this every Sunday to start my week out right! 

You'd think this can't get much better, but it can! It's only $3! I honestly cannot find a flaw in this product, I love it so much and will continue to use it!

Overall...

Moisture: 9/10

Packaging: 10/10

Price: 10/10

Would I repurchase?: YES! (if I can find it!)
Would I recommend?: for sure!

Overall: 9.5/10

I hope this review helped some of you and as always, have an amazing day! :)

Bad hair day

We all have those days where we either wake up late, or wake up with some absolutely troublesome hair. This happens to me on most days! Here are some of my favorite ways to deal with hair that won't agree with you.

1. Dry shampoo. This is probably the key to getting your hair to cooperate. It will soak up oils making your hair look fresher as well as add texture to your hair.

2. Tease it. After I apply dry shampoo, I like to add some volume by teasing it. My hair is very flat so this is much needed. This will make it look like you hair is full and voluminous.

3. Pin it back. If a piece of hair is bothering you, pin it back! If it bothers you now, chances are it will annoy you throughout the day so just deal with it while you can!

4. Put a bow on it. Adding accessories can distract from your bad hair days. If you pin up teasted hair with a bow, it looks super cute!

5. Straighten or flat iron curl. Don't bother sectioning your hair, just straighten or curl a few peices on the top and add some dry shampoo/hairspray for texture.

6. Throw it up. Whether you prefer a bun or a ponytail, getting it up and out of your face will hopefully allow to forget about it.

7. Wear a hat. If all else fails, wear a hat! 

I hope this tips were helpful! Have an amazing day! =)

Not Your Mother's Knotty to Nice Conditioning Detangler ~ Review

I showed this in my San Diego haul a while back. When I went to Ulta for the first time, I couldn't walk out empty handed so I picked this up and I'm glad I did! I had always wanted to try Not Your Mother's products and I'm so glad I had the chance! I will definitely try to make a trip to Ulta next time I'm near one!

I spray it all over my hair right when I get out of the shower them comb through it with a wide toothed comb. It leaves my hair soft and makes it effortless to comb/brush. I really like it and it smells good too!. I was so used to using a cream detangler and didn't realize how well sprays work too. Plus it's only $5.99

De-tangling power: 9.5/10

Scent: 7/10

Price: 8/10

Overall: 9/10

I would totally recommend this and repurchase it if I had the chance! Hope you enjoyed! :)

My current shower products

I have already done a What's in my shower post, but my products constantly change, so I thought I'd update it! I don't use an excessive amount of things I the shower, I usually like to narrow it down to basics and necessities. I hope you enjoy! 

I've been using the Herbal Essences Hydra-Licious & Volume Boost shampoo. Haven't noticed much difference in volume but it smells good! (same live clean clarifying shampoo as before)

For conditioner, I'm currently almost finished the Aveeno Pure renewal conditioner. This leaves my hair really soft and there's just something about it a really like!

I'm obsessed with the Aussie 3 minute miracle! It smells so amazing and leaves my hair super luscious.

I've been washing my face with the Neutrogena naturals cleanser. It's alright, nothing special, a bit overpriced.

And my favorite body wash it Tone's  mango splash. It smells so amazing and has a nice lather. 

That's currently what occupies my shower, hope you enjoyed!

Live Clean (Apple Cider) Clarifying Shampoo

Hello everyone!
I recently picked up a clarifying shampoo from the drugstore as I had never used one before. I was hoping it would help clear product build-up from my hair and simply refresh it. I've been using this every Friday for a little while. I've never tried anything by live clean before this but it smelt nice so i decided to give it a go! Here's my thoughts!

As you can see, I'm already about half way through the bottle. I like the consistency, it's a fairly clear, gel-like formula and it lathers fairly well. It has a nice apple cider scent too. I don't notice too much of a change after using this, but my hair does feel a bit lighter and refreshed. 

I haven't noticed anything super special about this but nothing bother me either. I'm not sure if I'll repurchase but I do like it and will use it up.

I hope this was helpful & that you enjoyed!

bye! :)

April Collective Haul + What I got for my Birthday 2014! ~ 1 year Blog Anniversary!

Hello Everyone!
I started my blog 1 year ago today! I can't believe I've been blogging for a year! I wasn't really sure what to do for my 1 year post so I thought I'd just keep it simple and post a haul. This will include everything I've bought throughout April, as well as some gifts I received for my Birthday!
Huge hanks to everyone who has read my blog throughout this past year!

Birthday “Haul”:

Starting out with gifts I received from friends and family for my birthday. I'd just like to say I am extremely thankful for anyone who wished me Happy Birthday and gave me a card or gift. I didn't expect to be spoiled this much, and I am so thankful to have such great family and friends!

I am also jot trying to brag in anyway and I hope you can understand that.

Of course I had to start with the makeup & nails portion! 

I was absolutely speechless when I opened the NAKED 2 palette. I have been eying this palette for years and now I finally have it! I also received this gorgeous Revlon palette with some great neutrals. I received various beautiful nail polishes, Revlon nail buffers and the Sephora free birthday gift!

Everyone knows me so well, haha!

I received quite a few scented products. I have the Kokeshi Cheery perfume, Benefit "Rita" perfume, and the Victoria's Secret Passion Struck perfume and body butter. Everything smells so divine!

I was given some absolutely gorgeous jewelry! I cannot wait to wear all of this, everything is completely my style! First off, I got a couple of necklaces (left), from some friends which I believe are from Target. I also got a stud set which is perfect. My parents gave me this spectacular initial necklace from an Etsy shop. It is the perfect length and the chain is so dainty!

I got a few clothing items which I'm in love with. The skirt on the left is from Hollister and it fits perfectly! The hoodie is from PINK and the color is amazing! I also got a pair of no-show socks from Steve Madden. 

These two items didn't really fit into a specific category so they're just on their own!

I got a new water bottle which I'm super happy about because I really needed one! I also got a curling wand, and I cannot wait to use it. I've never had a curling wand so I'm extremely excited!

 

 A got a few other things that I actually just opened today, since I'm having a family dinner tonight! I was super excited to receive the Physicians Formula blush I had wanted as well as the Q&A d ay journal!

 

I got some food! I've already actually eaten a pack of sour cherries, haha!

Also received some gift cards which I'm looking forward to using. I've already got my eye on something at Sephora and I just ran out of my old Starbucks gift card. I also am super excited to see some new movies!

That's everythings I got for my Birthday, thank you so much to everyone!

 Moving on to what I bought during April!

I got quite a few drugstore items ,which I'm not going to go over everything because that would take forever!

I also got some new hair and body products!

I bought these mini boxes of chocolates around Easter for only $1 at Target. I probably shouldn't have got 5 but don't worry, I've only eaten 1, so far! 

A few more drugstore bits! The Apocalips is in Phenomenon.

Kind of an odd, childish purchase but I got these Smackers body mists and they smell so sweet!

I did some shopping at Urban Outfitters. I got this over-sized sweater on clearance for $30 + 30% off. I got a size way too big and it's more like a dress on me, oh well! I also got a scrunchie on sale for $2.99 + 30% off and I'm in love with it!

I got another top at Winners by the brand paper + tee. It's an adorable baby pink crop top with an incredible pattern along the bottom. 

The last thing I got, was this beautiful maxi dress from Target. I've never owned a maxi dress but I fell in love with this one. it was on sale for $25!

That's about it! I know this was a super long post, but I hope you enjoyed anyway!

Again, a big thanks to everyone who made my Birthday extra special!

Bye!

xx