The Taming of Simba's Mane

When I was little my parents often referred to me as "Lion King."  I had extremely unruly hair.  I still have unruly hair, but some products that I will discuss below help tame my mane.  I have thick, coarse, and dry hair.  Did I mention that my hair is curly too?  I will say that my hair takes a lot of work, but I am fortunate enough to be able to wear it straight, curly, and wavy.  I do not wash my hair every day, but I know that people with oily scalps tend to wash daily.  If you feel the need to wash your hair daily, try washing your scalp, but stay away from washing your ends.  Too much washing can strip away necessary oil and be abrasive to your hair.  

The L'Oreal Triple Resist Reinforcing Shampoo is supposed to strengthen your hair.  It does get incredibly sudsy, which is nice for washing purposes, but that also means that it contains sulfates.  Sulfates tend to dry your hair out. I use this shampoo right before I deep condition it.  It doesn't strip the color from my hair and leaves my strands feeling squeaky clean.  I think that this shampoo would work for any hair type.  L'Oreal has many other types of shampoos that work well.  I purchased this shampoo from Target, but any drugstore will have it.  

The next shampoo is Garnier Fructis Pure Clean.  I reach for this once a week as a clarifying shampoo. It is important to use a shampoo that is clarifying to remove the buildup from both products and water.  This does tend to strip my color a little bit, but my hair has much more body and shine following the use of this shampoo.  It is a natural shampoo.  If you like natural products, this is a great shampoo for you.  I would not recommend using this too often as it does strip your hair.  If you have oily hair/scalp, you may reach for this shampoo more than I would.  I purchased this shampoo at Rite Aid, but once again any drugstore will sell it.

The next product is a conditioner.  This conditioner is the Smooth Infusion Conditioner from Aveda.  Aveda products are natural and always smell great!  This helps me rid my hair of frizz.  My hair is smooth and moisturized following the use of this conditioner.  This conditioner will weigh down your hair if you have thin hair, but it is great for dry,coarse hair.  I use this when I plan to apply heat to my hair.  If I plan on using a flat iron or a curling iron, I will use this conditioner before I blow dry to help keep my hair smooth and protected.  $21 for 6.7 fl. oz.

The last product that I reach for in the shower is the Moroccan Oil Restorative Hair Mask.  I use this once per week and it has changed my hair completely.  It is a heavy duty deep conditioner.  I let it sit on my hair for 5-10 minutes and then wash it out with cool water.  This transforms my hair into smooth, shiny, and healthy hair.  I reach for this more than once a week if I straighten or curl my hair a lot that week.  This helps maintain my hair color and will stop hair breakage.  

The next product is a product that I could not live without.  It's a 10 miracle leave-in product is much more than a leave-in conditioner.  I spray it on my hair right out of the shower before I comb through it.  It detangles my hair instantly.  It adds shine, volume, protection, and much more to my hair.  I also spray this on my dry ends from time-to-time if they need a pick-me-up.  If you are looking for a deep conditioner, but others weigh your hair down, this is the product for you.  It smells great and will keep your hair healthy and strong.  

The next product that I use after It's a 10 is the Carol's Daughter Monoi  Anti-Breakage Spray.  This is an oil spray.  I spray it solely on my ends before blowdrying or letting it air dry.  My hair seems to grow faster and longer now than it did before I added this to my hair care regimen.  It smells tropical, but is heavy for a spray.  If you have thin or oily hair, you may want to stay away from this product.  My hair is extremely dry and thick so it takes a lot to weigh this mane down.  A little of this goes a long way so use a light hand when you spray.  

Dove Invigorating Dry Shampoo is great for people that don't wash their hair every day.  I have dry hair and try to wash it no more than three times per week.  If I do, my hair tends to fall out, break off, and look parched.  This product has allowed my hair color to stay vivid and to let my locks grow nice and long.  I spray this at my roots and at the nape of my neck before bed.  When I wake up, I rub my scalp with my fingers or brush through it if it is straight or wavy.  I never brush my curly hair because my Simba days are behind me.  This dry shampoo does leave a white cast on my dark hair, but once I style it, it blends right in and goes undetectable.  This product can mask oil or odor.  If you have fine/flat hair or would like more body, dry shampoo sprayed at your roots will allow you to achieve a more voluminous look.  

Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Liquid is great for all hair types.  I take one pump of this product and spread it evenly throughout my dry hair.  If you have oily hair, use this product from mid-shaft down only.   This product smoothes and conditions.  This is great for straight, curly and wavy hair.  It adds shine and moisturizes without weighing hair down.  A little of this product goes a long way so make sure to use a little at a time or you will end up looking like a grease ball.  $28 for 3.4 oz.  

TIGI Bed Head Masterpiece Massive Shine Hairspray is one of the few hairsprays that I actually like.  This can hold any curl that I put into my hair or that comes naturally.  It is strong in the sense that it holds my style all day, but I don't get crunchy curls.  It does give my hair massive shine as the bottle promises.  It is humidity resistant and smells great!  If you need a heavy duty hairspray- you may want to look elsewhere.  This hairspray holds a bun in my hair and curls when I wear my hair down.  Love this stuff!  I purchased mine at Ulta when it was on sale.  9.5 oz.

Face Wash and Face Scrubs and Masks, Oh My!

Skin is the human body's largest organ.  It is extremely important to take good care of your skin.  My skincare regimen is always changing, but I always go back to these items in my skincare regimen.  

The Mask of Magnaminty can be found at your nearest Lush Cosmetics Store.  It is also available online.   It is marketed as a deep cleansing face and back mask.  The mask contains China clay and fresh peppermint.  These are used to pull toxins and debris from your pores.  Aduki Beans are in the mask to exfoliate your skin and rid your face of dry and flaky skin. Vanilla Absolute is added to the mask to calm redness.  The presence of honey soothes tired, dry skin.   $24.95 for 11.1 ounces.  A little goes a long way, but this mask does expire after four months.  I don't consider this a con due to the fact that Lush uses fresh and natural ingredients.  

I use this mask 1-2 times per week.  It isn't harsh, but my skin would dry out if I used it more than twice a week.  I apply this mask to clean skin and wait for it to dry.  I leave it on for 10-15 minutes.  The peppermint does give your skin a tingling sensation, which I love!  The beans are chunky, but I love the feel of them when I wash the mask off of my face.  They gently slough away dead skin.  The mask does have a pepperminty/clay smell.  It is not my favorite scent, but my skin looks even and clean after each use.  It does tend to draw impurities from my skin so I do notice a small breakout after use, but it goes away quickly and my skin feels squeaky clean.  

The next product I use is the Mario Badescu Strawberry scrub.  I love how this scrub feels on my dry skin.  I use it 1-2 times per week to keep my skin clear and soft.  It has strawberry seeds that slough away dead skin.  This exfoliates while moisturizing my skin.  The natural AHA’s break down dulling build-up to unclog pores.  My skin is always glowing and soft after each use.  I purchased mine at Nordstrom for $15.00.  Keep your eye out an Hautelook and Gilt because you can find it on sale there as well! 


The next product that is a regular staple in my regimen is Lush  Ocean Salt.  The sea salt washes away dirt, debris, and dead skin.  The scrub contains avocado and coconut.  These two ingredients are very hydrating and all natural!  This scrub also contains lime which is an antibacterial ingredient that will help stop/treat blackheads and blemishes.  This is great to use after a workout or whenever you feel like your skin needs extra attention and cleaning.  A little goes a long way.  I purchased mine at Lush, but you can also order yours online.  4.2 oz. for $21.95 or 8.8 oz. for $35.95.  Sometimes Lush will offer a smaller size in a kit as well.  I am currently using mine from a kit I received until I can get back to a Lush store. 


This Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser is a great exfoliator.  It contains rich mango butter and jojoba beads which are moisturizing and exfoliating at the same time.  This is a great daily exfoliator.  It is very gentle for dry/mature skin.  the smell is absolutely amazing.  You know exactly what I am talking about if have had the opportunity to smell other Aveda products.  This is a natural wash and great year round.  If you have oily skin, this may be what you want to reach for during drier months.  Stay away during the summer.  I have dry skin so I reach for this amazing product year round.  $29.00 for 5 oz. 

Holiday Makeup Necessities

Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance Lipstick in Wild

Holiday parties are underway.  I tend to reach for more bold makeup during the holiday season. This red lipstick is amazing.  It is long-wearing and has a little bit of a sheen.  This particular red has a blue undertone, which is great for making teeth look bright and white.  This lipstick is not one that I would apply without a mirror, but if you apply carefully, you will not need a lip liner.  This lipstick has enough of a sheen for me, but if you wanted a more shiny look you could always apply a clear gloss on top.  I could go on and on about this fabulous lipstick, but instead I will explain the con.  It is a pricey lipstick.  It is $26 a pop, which may seem over-the-top, but a great red is truly worth it.  These can be purchased at Ulta or Sephora.  The pigment and formula allows you to worry more about your party and less about reapplication.  

Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance Lipstick in Foxy

I love a great red lipstick, but I know that many people aren't ready to venture into that world.  I love a bright pink, even during winter months.  This lipstick has all of the same perks as the one above and will allow you to feel adventurous during holiday parties, but not too bold.  

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Primrose

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Pink Pop

Revlon has great lip products...especially for the price. Their products are extremely pigmented and creamy.  These next two products are not as long-wearing as the Tarte products, but are still great options.  The Pink Pop lipgloss is a little less bold than the Tarte Foxy lipstick, but still is incredibly pigmented and shiny.  I like to layer this on top of the Foxy lipstick to add a little shine.  This lipstick will make your lips pop and spice up any holiday makeup look.

The Revlon lipstick in Primrose is a great option for those of you looking for a nude with a twist.  I don't personally care for true nudes because they tend to wash me out.  This nude has a pink undertone and looks great with most makeup looks.  It is pigmented and very smooth.  The only con is the fact that this lipstick is not very long-wearing.  Constant reapplication is unavoidable.  

Revlon Highlighting Palette in 030 Bronze Gold

I cannot say enough good things about this highlighting palette.  It has numerous uses and is truly one of the best bangs for your buck this holiday season.  I use this as a highlighter (duh), bronzer, and eyeshadow palette.  It contains the perfect amount of highly ground shimmer.  It adds a great glow without looking tacky.  I like to use this all over my cheeks for a glowing bronzed look.  I use the various colors as eyeshadows and the white shimmer is great as a highlight under my brow bone.  One of my favorite things about this product is the fact that you can create just about any colored highlight that you want.  You can swipe all of the colors at the same time or swipe any combination to fit your needs. There are two others out now and I am tempted to go out and purchase them immediately. These may be limited edition so go to your nearest drugstore or Ulta store!!!

Lorac Liquid Eye Shimmer in Diamond

It should be illegal to go out to a holiday party and not include this in your look.  This stuff is amazing!  I like to place this on my eyelids to hold shadow and glitter as well as pop it in my inner corner of my eye to make them pop.  I don't care for this as a highlighter under my brow bone, but for some people it would be a perfect fit.  I have placed this on my cheekbones for a nice highlight, but make sure to use a light hand or you will look like a disco ball....YIKES!  This runs $16 per bottle, but a little goes a long way.  I feel like this container will last forever.  When you get it, make sure to shake it so that the shimmer mixes well with the liquid.  This lasts a long time and feels very smooth on the skin.  I place a little bit on the back of my hand and apply with my fingers.  I haven't found a brush to use with it that I like.  I picked mine up at Ulta, but Sephora sells it as well.  

Smashbox Soft Lights in Shimmer

 This highlighter has become my favorite!  It has a pink tint to it which gives me the most beautiful highlight.  Highlights that have a white/nude undertone tend to wash me out.  This highlight is easy to blend and looks great on the cheeks as well. I don't tend to reach for this to go over my blush or on my eyes, but it would work for that as well.  If you don't usually use a highlighter, I would recommend reaching for one this holiday season to make your great features stand out!  I bought mine at Nordstrom.  

Maybelline Eyestudio in Blackest Black

Last, but not least you will need a gel eyeliner.  A gel eyeliner is great because it has a smooth and pigmented look to it.  I love wearing a winged eyeliner look to holiday parties.  It makes me feel extra fancy!  This one is great because it is a true black, is affordable, and blends flawlessly!  Even if you tend to go with a more natural lip, cheek, and eye- a winged eyeliner will make you look glamorous!  If you want to steal the room's attention, make sure to pair it with a red lip!  This can be picked up at your local drugstore or Ulta.

Face Primers

  

 I never used to understand the hype with primers.  My favorite makeup artist got me to try one and I never looked back.  Primers can reduce the look of pores and minimize the look of fine lines.  Primers can also help with uneven skin tone and are best known for increasing the longevity of your foundation.  Make sure to set your foundation with a powder because these primers do not stop or slow oil production.  

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer is my favorite primer hands-down.  It feels so silky and smooth on my face.  Within a minute of application, my pores look much smaller and my skin is smooth and ready for foundation application.  I apply my primer right after my moisturizer and let it sit for five minutes before applying my foundation.  This foundation almost feels oily, which I love because my skin tends to be on the dryer side. This primer is oil-free so you don't have to worry about it breaking you out.  This primer definitely increases the wear of my foundation and helps me achieve a more even application.  Love, love, love!!!

Smashbox makes a great luminizing primer as well.  It adds a nice glow that peeps through your foundation.  I love to use it in the summer to achieve the perfect summer glow and in the winter when my skin needs a pick-me-up.


Smashbox Photo Finish Primer $36.00 at Sephora

 Loreal Magic Skin Beautifier B.B. Cream is a great primer.  This primer feels great on my skin and increases the longevity of my foundation.  It has  tiny beads that break down and add color to my skin.  The color is sheer, but helps even out my skin tone.  This can be used in place of a foundation, but I like more coverage than this B.B. cream offers.

Loreal Magic Skin Beautifier $10.99 at Ulta.  offered in light, fair, medium, and dark.

The Loreal Magic Anti-Redness primer lives up to the name.  It is color correcting.  My only complaint is that you have to take your time and really buff this primer into your face.  If you do not take the time to get it rubbed in, you will end up looking like the Wicked Witch of the West.  If applied correctly, it evens out my skin tone and lengthens the wear of my foundation.  A little goes a long way so be careful to use it sparingly.  I think that this primer also helps with the creasing of concealer under my eyes.  If you are a patient person then this primer will do the job if you invest the time!



 Loreal Studio Secrets Correcting Primer $12.99 at Ulta