What to stay away from in beauty products!

So I've told you guys, the cons of sulfates, but did you know there are tons of other agents in shampoos, conditioners, beauty products,shaving creams, and even toothpaste that can harm you? Since we put these products directly on our scalps, face, body and gums (the quickest absorbing of them all!) we are deliberately putting ourselves in harm! Today I'm going to tell you guys a little about Parabens ...

Parabens- AKA- methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, benzylparaben and their sodium salts
*Some research concludes that they cause cancer- Parabens can Mimic the hormone estrogen, which can lead to breast cancer. As a matter of fact, most of the negative effects of Parabens effect reproductive health.
"Even though it is impossible to link parabens directly with tumors based on the current studies, it is also impossible to say parabens are safe as well since their long-term health effects of exposure are essentially unknown" (Wikipedia)

Review: Origins

While I was at the mall several weeks ago I strolled into Origins, instantly I was pulled in by their friendly staff, their organic environmentally friendly products, animal friendly practices, and recycled packaging. I was greeted with a free mini facial, a face scrub and a mask was firstly tested on my hands to feel and see the difference it made, and they finished with a light tinted moisturizer. I purchased...

Modern Friction- Similar to a face scrub, but is considered a buffing paste, to be used biweekly. Scrub into DRY skin for up to 30 seconds, dampen hands and finish by emulsifying product rinse and see the beautiful result. "Improving texture and reducing fine lines, Minimizing signs of photo-damage, Evening out skin tone, Restoring your skin with a youthful glow"
Overall - 9/10
Consistency- 10/10
Smell- 9/10
Discomfort- 0/10
End result- 9/10

Out of Trouble- Problem skin face mask. Apply to damp skin a thin layer of product avoiding eye area. Let sit for 10 minutes, or until dry, rinse with water and enjoy! My skin tone evened out, many small pimples disappeared, my skin was soothed, a clean oil and dirt free feeing. Great of oily skin!
Overall - 9/10
Consistency- 9/10
Smell- 5/10 (slight sulfur smell, its worth it in the end!
Discomfort- 0/10
End result- 10/10

Nude and Improved- Light coverage foundation with SPF 15. My FAVORITE light coverage foundation, who wants heavy slimy foundation that is oily and splotchy at the end of the day? This foundation is an instant pick me up, and most days I need nothing more I can even build up coverage for problem spots. The consistency is nice, although it has sunscreen my face doesn't feel sticky, the texture is somewhere in-between moisturized and matte.
Overall - 10/10
Consistency- 10/10
Smell- 10/10
Discomfort- 0/10
End result- 10/10


P.S. Bring in empty old make-up/product containers (any brand) and receive a free sample of your choice of origin products! http://www.origins.com/about/index.tmpl?page=recycle

Why is at home hair color a no no?

It could be that I'm a stylist, and therefor have a bias to home hair coloring. However I have many reasons why I dislike the way at home hair color looks, treats your precious hair, and disables your hairdresser. Very often muddy and dull colors result, uneven and blotchy color give away your dirty little secret. There is no comparison as to how salon color shines, has depth and the silky and soft result you can only receive at a salon. Another reason at home hair color can be disastrous is that many do not know enough about hair color to begin with. Different levels of lightness are only perceived through what the color on the box looks like, meaning, for example, that dark blonde in your mind is different than what the box means. Also, tone is completely different than the level of lightness, the words these companies use for tones would be for example black can turn black blue certain tones can turn much warmer or cooler than expected, in short the results are extremely unpredictable. Different hair types color differently (thin, medium, thick and grey) this will effect how well the color takes, how light you can get your hair and how long it will stay. Hot roots can also happen (brighter/lighter and all around different color results from your outgrowth) this happens if the color isn’t matched well, or when the unpredictable happens. At home hair color also uses much stronger chemicals than you need on your hair, especially if your hair is previously colored this can cause damaged ends, these boxes can also be misleading about the damage they can cause. In short at home hair color is deceiving, unpredictable and damaging. In the end if your hair is messed up by your at home experiment you’re bound to spend much much more time and money correcting it with a professional, who will always know what is best for your hair in the first place.
I supposed I’ll write a more technical explanation in the near future, but for now keep this in mind when your impatient at home for a change.

Thermal Protection

One huge factor of damaged hair is thermal usage. Blow drying, straightening, and curling can dry out hair and damage it, but there are some solutions. The first solution I suggest is letting your hair air dry when its possible, then go over it with a flat iron, or get some good styling products to scrunch your hair up and just use thermal on your bangs. If you can adjust the heat on your flat iron or curling iron, use only the amount of heat you need, also ceramic plated flat irons add additional protection, and never curl or flat iron your hair if its even remotely damp! Another helpful solution is actually using a thermal protecting product, these products will coat your hair with protecting agents creating a barrier between your hair and the heat(caution thermal protecting sprays will steam/sizzle when using this is okay, it means the product is working). Many professional products already have thermal protectors in them, there are also sprays that you apply to your hair right before your thermal process leaving your hair soft and silky. Follow these tips and you will have healthier softer and much more grateful hair.

These are my favorite Thermal Protectors ..

Joico Silk Result

Alterna Styling Tonic

Inspiration pt. 2

Being green and beautiful!

Here are a few good reads about keeping your beauty products environmentally friendly.

Recycling product containers-
http://www.cosmopolitan.com/hairstyles-beauty/skin-care-makeup/green-beauty-products?click=main_sr

And why sunscreen can keep you and the environment healthy-
http://www.thegreenguide.com/personal-care/blocking-sun

Avoid the oil!

Many of us cannot go a day without feeling the need to wash our hair because of the excess oil it creates. Washing your hair less often is beneficial because it keep the oils your hair needs to stay moisturized and keeps the scalp in good condition. Washing your hair at least every other day is less work and more beneficial to your hair, but it can create an oily look. I've found that if you sick it out a week or two with only washing your hair every other day, your hair gets used to not producing as much oil. This allows a healthier scalp, hair and less oil productivity. While you're sticking it out there are ways to hide the oil in your hair, my favorite and the cheapest way is to just use baby powder, sprinkle a small amount in your and and rub it trough out your scalp (be careful if you hair dark hair to not use too much baby powder start with a tiny amount and build it up). Sephora and other beauty supply stores sell dry shampoos, which can come in powder forms that smell clean and are applied similarly to the baby powder, they also come in aerosol which is more convent as you can just spray it and move around with your hand. Also if you brush your hair scalp to ends in many different directions so your hair is really oily before you wash your hair (you can shampoo your hair up to two times if necessary), it helps disperse the oils and will create shiner hair, healthier hair. You can also blow dry your hair with cool air which helps lock in the oil.

Sulfate Free is the way to go!

Why Sulfate Free?

First and foremost sulfate free shampoo is essential to keeping your hair and hair color in tip top shape. Sulfates are used for lather, and they are cheapest way of doing so, they're not gentile and are extremely drying to your hair. They can damage your hair and lead to hair loss. Sulfates can also strip the hair of its essential oils it causes a dry and irritated scalp. Avoid the ingredients sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in your shampoo, instead buy sulfate free higher end shampoos, your head and hair will thank you! When sulfates are in your shampoo you will find that your hair color’s longevity is compromised. Paying a bit more initially will save you money in the long run because you have longer lasting hair color, moisturized hair and a happy scalp!

Here are some of my favorite brands

Pureology- Is an oldie but a goodie, its all natural and vegan. It lathers great and a little bit of shampoo goes a long way!

Alterna- Organic and vegan. The Caviar line smells wonderful and your hair will be left moisturized.

These websites will guide you to choosing the right shampoo for you!

Inspirational hair/style