It's been almost a year since my traumatic and altogether unsuccessful hair transformation. They all (the many hairstylists) said it will take six months to recover my hair. I've been obsessively treating, cutting and babying my strands - Still, eleven months and counting.. Hair grows (it's a fact), but repairing severely damaged hair takes time - Oh, and lots of products. I'm embarrassed to say how much I've spent on hair repair solutions and vitamins. Initially, I was skeptical of Olaplex and didn't have great things to say about this preventative treatment. The stylist who took my hair from black to orange to green to greenish-gray-yellow-blonde (YUP, that's what I ended up with), said Olaplex would protect my hair from the bleach and there would be little damage. NOT TRUE! Clearly, this stylist overestimated the treatment and was 'possibly' misinformed. I was still under the impression that Olaplex would repair my hair. I used Olaplex one, two and three for a few months after, but I didn't feel like my hair was getting better, so I discontinued the treatments. Sometime later my new stylist explained that Olaplex is a preventive treatment, and not a hair repair solution. She said regular applications would keep my hair from being further damaged. I got back on the Olaplex-wagon. Along with intense hydrating masks and vitamins, my hair 'slowly' started to grow. My stylist includes Olaplex step-one in my color solution. After rinsing the color, Olaplex step-two is applied. In between salon visits, I use Olaplex step-three (just once). Admittedly, I've been converted and am a fan of this hair-care product.
Nutrients support hair strength, resulting in less breakage and thus healthier strands. Vitamins you should look for in a vitamin blend - A, B, C, D, K, Biotin, Keratin (your hair is made up of keratin protein), Folic Acid, Iron, Niacin, Magnesium, Protein, Zinc.. Not to mention minerals and oils that support healthy hair. Viviscal Hair Growth Vitamins are comprised of vitamins and minerals your hair needs. This supplement gets great reviews, many dermatologists sell or recommend these vitamins, and from my experience, IT WORKS! I've been taking these vitamins for about six months. I'm terrible at taking vitamins regularly, but my sporadic vitamin-popping has still made a difference. Viviscal vitamin supplements contain Biotin, Zinc, Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, Niacin, Horsetail Extract, Millet Seed Extract and the exclusive marine complex AminoMar (shark cartilage and Oyster Extract Powder). there are a few essential vitamins missing, but if it works, who cares. Six months of intense hydrating masks, Olaplex treatments and Viviscal supplements has made my hair stronger, a little thicker (I have baby hairs), and healthier. WARNING - Don't trust a stylist that says Olaplex is a miracle treatment that will take your hair from black to blonde in weeks. Below are pics of my disastrous transformation. After days in the salon, fried strands and painful lesions on my scalp, I went back to black. I couldn't settle for greenish-gray-yellow-blonde, and further bleaching was not an option.
Original posts - See August 2016. 
Oily hair and dandruff go together like 'yuck'. I'm not an expert and will never understand how skin can be oily and dry at the same time. Since my dramatic hair transformation last year ('tryna' go black to blonde), I've had major scalp issues. My hair is much more oily and I have dandruff!? Yup - dandruff. It's kinda like 'the' curse word nobody says out loud - DANDRUFF! Ok, now that I've said it aloud, or rather posted it in shouting context, lets talk oil and flakes. Amongst the damaged hair treatments and gentle hair care, I've been struggling to combat my oily hair and dry scalp. After just one day, my hair looks greasy (I KNOW). My hair is damaged from bleach and I can't shampoo every day, so I began researching.. My oh so lovely hair stylist recommended I apply Bumble and Bumble All-Style Blowdry to my scalp prior to blow-drying my hair. I also use Bumble and Bumble Repair Blow Dry and Mending Complex on my strands. The All-Style Blowdry formula has oil-absorbing powders and doesn't leave buildup on your scalp. Applying this product after washing my hair has reduced the oil buildup dramatically.
In all my on-line studies, I realized that healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, so I invested in a few treatments. My favorite treatment shampoo is Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo. The charcoal and coconut oil-infused shampoo exfoliates and soothes your scalp. The detox formula is super refreshing. Scalp Revival has a peppermint scent and slightly tingles. I expected a strong cold-tingly feeling but was pleasantly surprised at the subtlety. I use this shampoo every two weeks for a super cleansing, refreshing, detox of the scalp.
Phyto Phytopolléine Botanical Scalp Treatment regulates the scalp, promoting healthy, energized hair. This oil treatment is super strong in scent and sensation. I use it once a month and love how refreshed and revitalized my scalp feels. This elixir is 100 percent pure and natural oils - Approximately four pounds of fresh plants per bottle! The combination of these three products has allowed me to skip TWO DAYS in between washings. This is a big deal for me (I used to wash every day). My scalp is less itchy, I have fewer flakes and my oil problem has subsided (at least for two days). Washing my hair two-three times a week is so beneficial to the hair-repair process. It never occurred to me to treat the skin on my head, but it makes perfect sense now. I invest so much money in facial serums and creams, of course, I should invest in my scalp. 
 I love Benefit cosmetics. The brand is fun, vibrant and ranks high on the 'favorite makeup brand' charts. Benefit Cosmetics Makeup Kits are the prefect way to try the brands best sellers and get a cute little makeup pouch. I purchased the 'Sunday My Prince Will Come Easy Weekender Kit' and 'Date Night With Mr. Right Sexy Night Out Makeup Kit' (the names are so fun). The products pictured here are from both kits - I only kept my favorite mini products and the pink pouch. There's also a Benefit Work Kit, Girl! Work-Day Essential Makeup kit. Each Benefit Cosmetics kit comes with four mini's and a makeup bag. My favorite Benefit products - Benefit Watt's Up! Cream-to-Powder Highlighter in Champagne is my favorite highlighter (and I've tried them all). The highlight is subtle and the perfect shade. The stick glides on nicely - apply to your check bones, the bridge of your nose and upper lip with a damp beauty blender. The full-sized product has a little sponge applicator on one end, but I prefer the beauty blender. Benefit High Beam is a satiny-pink liquid highlighter. I put a little in my moisturizer for a healthy glow. Benefit They're Real! Tinted primer in Mink Brown is the perfect primer for eyebrows and lashes. Apply the primer before mascara for a dramatic look, or alone for a 'no-makeup' kinda look. Benefit GALifornia Blush in Sunny Golden Pink looks amazing on sun-kissed skin. It's an orange-coral shade and the pigment is strong, so apply a little and layer. The Benefit mini products are really small and perfect for your handbag or travel cosmetic bag. I love mini's! Each kit retails for $32 and are available at Sephora. 
  In preparation for self-tanning season (Imma faux-tan kinda girl), I've been sampling body scrubs. The verdict - Babe Green Tea Body Scrub is my favorite. This body exfoliator has transformed my tired, 'winter' skin. The robust granules are tough on dry skin. You can really feel the aggressive scrub removing the dead, parched skin and you'll love how soft your skin feels after a few applications (even those little bumps on the back of your arms will slightly diminish). WARNING - this stuff is aggressive, so if your skin is sensitive, I don't recommend using Babe Body Scrub. I used the entire bag (everyday) for a week and now I can't live without it. The Green Tea scent is refreshing. I used Babe Body Scrub Pink Salt as well but didn't love the smell. Babe Green Tea Body Scrub doesn't leave your skin feeling oily, but just refreshed and smooth. The resealable bag is convenient, cause you can dump some product into your hand and exfoliate your skin by section. I also use this scrub on my feet after a pedicure - amazing results (yes, I do my own pedicures). There's also a coffee scrub that is supposedly good for cellulite. I think the three scrubs do the same thing but smell different. Caffeine-infused salts are not going to diminish cellulite! I really like this body scrub and will definitely repurchase. Babe Green Tea Body Scrub is available at Sephora. 
When I read that Bobbi Brown Cosmetics would release a collection of skin 'Remedies', I was super excited. I felt like I was cheating on my adored Glossier serums, but a collection by my favorite cosmetic brand is too tempting. Of course, I purchased all six Bobbi Brown Remedies (product junkie here). These remedies treat everything from dehydration to irritation to problem skin.. Skin salves are having a moment - or maybe I'm having a salve moment and just assume everyone else it? The Remedies Skin Salve No. 57 is a MUST HAVE. A few weeks ago, I peeled dry skin on the side of my nose and literally caused a huge split (super painful and stupid). I applied this salve many times for three days and the wound healed completely. This salve is great for chapped lips and super dry areas (anywhere you have damaged skin). I use it on my cuticles - it keeps them nourished and they appear to be in much better condition. The super nourishing ingredients in Skin Salve were chosen to repair dry, damaged and compromised skin. Shea Butter binds moisture to the skin, while Beeswax creates a barrier. Natural root extracts, carrot and licorice, were added for their moisturizing properties. The super-thick formula has a pleasant, fresh scent - some say carrots, but I smell cucumber (even though there is no cucumber on the ingredient list).
I still struggle with the idea of using oil to combat oily skin and clogged pores. Years ago, my dermatologist told me to avoid anything that contained oil - BUT apparently oil is the new 'de-clogging' remedy. Skin Clarifier No. 75 is comprised of skin-purifying Manuka Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Rosehip Oil (rich in nutrients), and Saw Palmetto Oil to control sebum levels. Together these oils exfoliate your skin and clean out pores. This thick clarifier is super oily (smells like oil too) and heavy on your skin. I recommend you apply this treatment last in your nightly routine and a little goes a long way, so just a few drops. Skin Clarifier is the only in the collection that causes my rosacea to flare-up, so I apply it sporadically. I can't say if it's improving my skin as of yet.. Layer over Reviver and under Skin Relief to treat problem skin. Skin Relief No. 80 - Natural ingredients from Israeli Red Algae and Knotted Kelp calm skin irritation and reduce the appearance of redness. Red Algae is known for its soothing properties and redness reducing powers. This non-greasy, calming algae complex is weightless, absorbs fairly quickly and leaves your skin feeling soft. I have rocasea and need all the 'skin relief' I can get. My face is usually red in the AM (after washing and applying product), and this serum does temporarily relieve the redness. Layer over Skin Reviver and Skin Clarifier to treat reactive, problem skin. Skin Moisture Solution No. 86 - This intense hydration compound contains Sodium Hyaluronate - a powerful moisture magnet. It can absorb up to 1000 times its weight in water. This Skin Moisture Solution promotes natural Hyaluronic acid (skin plumper) production and restores skin's moisture levels. The solution is medium-weight, absorbs fairly quickly and feels silky on your skin. In combination with Skin Reviver and Skin Relief, my skin does appear more hydrated and less irritated. Layer over Skin Reviver and under Skin Fortifier (super heavy tonic) to boost dull, dry skin. Skin Reviver No. 91 - This power greens ferment is super rich in antioxidants. The lightweight solution contains extracts from green algae, fresh kale, spinach and brussels sprouts. YES, those little, smelly (I'm not a fan), cabbage-like orbs are making their way into skincare. This remedy is kinda like a green juice for your face. The ferment goes on like water and absorbs quickly. The scent is strange; familiar, but unrecognizable and subtly unpleasant (you get used to it). I like the Skin Reviver ferment very much. It absorbs fast and doesn't irritate. I wouldn't say my skin looks 'amazing' due to these remedies, but with all the stress and traveling I've endured, I don't look too bad! When layering Bobbi Brown remedies, apply Skin Reviver first. Skin Fortifier No. 93 repairs and replenishes the skin's moisture barrier. Your skin's ability to protect itself will allow it to hold moisture and keep toxins out. This light-green tonic contains lipid-rich ingredients to supplement your skin's ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol. Muru Muru Butter promotes supple skin, cold pressed Meadowfoam Seed Oil and Olive Oil supplement skin's fatty acids, Rasberry Leaf Wax is an essential lipid that gives skin structure and Soybean Sterols bolster skin's cholesterol. Sound heavy? IT IS! This tonic barely absorbs, so stay away from delicate fabrics. THIS STUFF IS THICK AND OILY. I'm not a fan of heavy oil on my face, so I'm hesitant to apply this serum. Layer over Skin Reviver and Skin Moisture to combat dry skin.
I thought I had retired my Glossier serums and shacked up with Bobbi Brown Remedies, but I am not so sure.. I will repurchase the Skin Reviver No. 91. It's super light-weight, absorbs quickly and I'm a fan of 'topical greens'. I'm on my second bottle of No. 80 and No. 86, but I'm not sure I will repurchase. I do however LOVE the salve. Each bottle has a smart dropper that allows for easy, controlled dispensing. Always layer (never mix solutions), and allow each remedy to dry before applying the next. Apply these remedies light-weight to heavier solutions. Bobbi Brown Remedies retail for $45. The Rescue Kits retail for $35 and contain 3x3 ml remedies to combat different skin issues - Recovery Rescue Kit, Clarity Rescue Kit, and Moisture Rescue Kit. These kits are a great way to sample the products for a fraction of the cost and the mini bottles are perfect for travel. 
Luxury hairstyling brand, IGK, was founded by in-demand stylists from Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. YOU GOTTA VIEW THESE GUYS ONLINE! These stylists are really fascinating and their individual styles are so intriguing. I'd fly across the country and break the bank to get an appointment with any of these stylists - maybe Aaron, Franck, Chase or Leo can recommend a solution for my 'forevermore' damaged bob. Yeah, I tried to go blonde last June and am still suffering the consequences. This modern product line has something for every hair trend. My hair is damaged, so I can't experiment with hair products too much. I try and stick to nourishing products, but I do spritz on a little dry shampoo or dirty spray once in a while. When I get my healthy, silky stands back, I'm gonna indulge in all the IGK products.
The Down & Out Dirty Spray is a great styling product. I have a bob (well kinda) - more like a damaged shag! This spray adds texture and volume. The only downside is that my hair has to be washed the next day. My hair looks really greasy and dirty the morning after applying it. I love this product, but just gotta plan the application prior to a wash. The Dirty & Out spray also comes in a travel size.
The Prenup Instant Spray Hair Mask is my favorite. The LA scent is sweet and soft. The application is easy - wash your hair, apply the product (it's a 360 aerosol spray), wait a minute and rinse. Your hair will feel so soft and nourished. If this mask can combat my dry, damaged hair, it will do wonders for the average mane. I LOVE this product.
The Jet Lag Invisible Shampoo works great to soak up the oil and create volume, but I'm hesitant to use anything that has 'dry' in the label too often. The scent is nice, but a little strong. I'd prefer this product to smell like the Prenup instant spray hair mask. The Laid-Back Defrizz and Anti-Static Spray has dropped from heaven and answered my hair-static prayers. If you have fine hair, you know static can be super f**king annoying. I used to use Static Guard (yes, the anti-static material spray) on my hair to combat static, but am happy to have a 'hair' styling product replacement. The MIA scent is sweet and subtle. I LOVE this product. Yeah, these products are expensive, but worth it. There's 24+ IGK hair styling products, including styling, shampoo and conditioners. You can purchase IGK luxury hairstyling products at Sephora. 
   The pistachio-caramel scent of Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is AMAZING! I can't wear perfume (too sensitive), but this deliciously scented product line doesn't bother me at all. The scent is strong but sweet and intriguing. The cream is super-nourishing and has a slight shimmer that gives your skin a subtle glow. I was super excited when Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Body Fragrance Mist released. It's the same yummy scent of the cream but in a light body mist. The bottle is HUGE and I'm sure will last six months. This body mist can be used on your skin, your hair and you even lightly spray your closet to give your clothes a pistachio-caramel scent - you're gonna want to surround yourself with this scent. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss Cupuacu Lip Butter is one of my favorite lip balms - I have one in my bathroom, one at my computer and one in my handbag! The light, creamy texture is nourishing and the tube is BIG, so it will last a long time. The cream and lip balm are infused with super nourishing ingredients Cupaçu butter, Açai and coconut oil. If I had to choose one product line of the year, it would be Sol Janeira Brazilian. 
   An Instagram sensation - the HiSmile Teeth Whitening System is easy, quick and kinda fun. What separates this system from others? The formula doesn't contain peroxide. The solution is a 'baking soda' gel-form (minimizing tooth sensitivity). The kit comes with an attachable mouth tray and LED light for optimal results. Just ten minutes a day for a week and you should see a significant change in color. Is it as effective as other 'peroxide based' brands (Zoom, Opalescence..)? No, but it takes less time, is less harsh on your teeth and you will see a difference. I have very white teeth to begin with, due to 'in-office' bleaching, but am using this system for maintenance and am happy with the results (especially the 'ten' minutes a day). The HiSmile teeth whitening kit includes an LED light with an attachable mouth tray, three HiSmile gels, and results guide. It retails for $59.99 and each HiSmile gel last two whitenings, so you get six in total. Additional HiSmile gels are available in a pack of three and retail for $29.99. I've been using the device for over a month and the LED light is still going, the tray is still perfectly intact and I am loving the easy whitening process. HiSmile also has a yummy Coconut Whitening Mouthwash - the box contains five 30 ml tubes, containing the same sodium bicarbonate blend (baking soda). Squeeze a third of the solution into your mouth and squish it around for two minutes. The formula is quite thick, but liquifies in your mouth and the yummy coconut flavor is subtle. The mouthwash retails for $29.99. HiSmile offers a 35% discount on gels and mouthwash if you subscribe - delivery every 30 days.
I would LOVE to receive any and all of these gifts this holiday season. Yes, I bought them all for myself - There's a lot of 'to me, from me' under the tree this year! The 'perfect gift' starts with great wrapping and a cute gift tag. I purchased these eighty seventh ST. gift tags at Holt Renfrew in Toronto. It's an all-in-one holiday tag. I keep my wrapping simple - red, white, black and gold (no cartoon Christmas characters).
If you've been living under a rock, you probably haven't heard of Farsáli Rose Gold Elixir. This product is up there with Sugarbearhair and (well) any of the multitude of detox teas taking over Instagram. It's worth its weight in gold! At first, I was skeptical, but this beauty oil has forever changed my makeup routine and enhanced my look dramatically. I apply my foundation with a brush. Then I apply 'many' drops of the elixir to my damp beautyblender and gently blend my foundation for perfect coverage. I use the same beautyblender (and Farsáli Rose Gold Elixir) to blend my concealer, under eye brightener and cream-to-powder highlighter. This elixir is amazing. The 15 ml bottle retails for $35 and 30 ml for $54. WORTH THE MONEY!
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit-Sureal Light limited edition palette is universally flattering. The palette includes a powder, bronzer, two blushes, and highlighter - this four-in-one palette is compact considering the product load. I love these shades. This product has everything you need to brighten, contour, highlight and finish your look. This palette retails for $80 and the oh so soft Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Brush for $46. This dual-ended brush is the perfect match to the palette.
For the wine lover in your life - this mug is f**king awesome! Funny Guy Mugs has a great selection of witty mugs for just about any person. I don't drink coffee, but I definitely get excited at 'wine time'. I also purchased a tumbler that says 'shh.. there's wine in here'. I know many people who would love a Funny Guy Mugs tumbler - I bought three! These mugs retail for $14.99.
I couldn't survive without tea and am always promoting its consumption. I love green tea, green blends and white tea. Paired with a tea defuser, this Feelin' Good Wellness Tea Sampler from Teavana is the perfect gift for the 'health conscious'. Recover, Rev Up, Serenity, and Defense are all yummy teas that promote a healthy body. This tea sampler retails for $30.
Another Instagram sensation - HiSmile. This teeth whitening kit is different from others, because it doesn't contain peroxide and comes with a mouth tray and LED light for optimal results. The solution is a 'baking soda' gel form, minimizing tooth sensitivity. While this product has received harsh criticism, bloggers are loving this kit. Just ten minutes a day for a week and you should see big results. HiSmile also has a yummy Coconut Whitening Mouthwash - the box contains five 30 ml tubes, containing the same sodium bicarbonate blend (baking soda). Just another tasty step in your whitening routine. The whitening kit retails for $59.99 and mouthwash for $29.99. It ships from Australia, so consider shipping times before purchasing. 
I've comprised a small list of 'on a budget' gifts for her. These trending products are all AMAZING! Gift them alone, mix-and-match, or create the ultimate stocking for the girl who's obsessed with cosmetics. Sugarbearhair is no different than any other 'healthy hair' vitamin as far as ingredients go. These little chewy bears are taking over Instagram simply cause they're cute, and the vibrant color looks great in photos. These mini turquoise bears are fun and taste yummy (like eating gummy bears). Most of us have 'hair struggles' and would appreciate berry flavored gummies that promote healthy hair. One jar (60 bears) retails for $29.99.
I've been raving about Glossier products for the last few weeks and Balm Dotcom (the universal skin salve) is my favorite. The dense salve is perfect for any and every dry patch on your skin. Apply to your nails, face, body.. There are five to choose from and retail for $12.
It's Skin Cookie Body Ice Cream is AMAZING! The mint, original and strawberry flavors smell just like (JUST LIKE) ice cream. This body ice cream is lighter than a body butter but thicker than body cream. The soft cookie chip pieces melt upon application and add to the 'ice cream effect'. Each 2.7 oz pot (small enough for travel) retails for $10 at Sephora. LOVE!
MILK Makeup Limited Edition Triple Threat Glow Set contains three travel size, best selling products. The mini Face Mist contains rice and ginger water that calm and nourish skin. The Sunshine Oil comes in a little rollerball pen - perfect purse/travel size. Body and face oil are essential during the cold season. And.. my favorite is the super tiny Highlighter Cream Stick. The color is universally flattering and brightens your skin for the perfect highlight. This mini highlighter is a great travel replacement for my Benefit Watt's Up! Cream to Powder Highlighter (you all know this one). These three mini's come in a plastic box, retail for $30 and will make just about anyone happy!
Most people who wear makeup, own a beautyblender® makeup sponge (or some other brand). If not, GO GET ONE! Another innovative product by beautyblender® is the liner.designer. The triple-edged eyeliner guide works with all eyeliner formulas to create the perfect look. It's like eyeliner application for dummies. The silicon guide comes with a mini plastic case and suction cup (not sure why there's a suction cup?). liner.designer retails for $16 and is available in pink or clear. There ya have it! The ultimate gifts under $30 for the product junkie(s) in your life. 
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