Makeup and Beauty Blog: Makeup Reviews, Beauty Tips and Drugstore Beauty Finds

Bumble and Bumble enlisted the help of French hairdresser Laurent Philippon to test and fine tune the formula of their Spray de Mode hairspray over several seasons of professional use backstage at the Paris shows (aka in the trenches), and the hard work shows.

Let me just come out and say it: Spray de Mode is nothing like 1980’s hairsprays. I can’t even begin to estimate the obscene amount of stinky, flaky, crunchy aerosol hairspray I used when high hair was the fashion du jour.

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I’ve always been jealous of girls with wash and wear hair. When they toss their mane and it glistens from across the room, boys turn their heads, the clouds part, angels sing, blah blah blah. I am so not that girl. When left to its own devices, my hair resembles a dry, frizzy, unfortunate bale of hay.

Not that kind of Bale!

I have wavy, colored hair that dries out easily, so my hair takes a turn into hay-esque territory if I don’t keep it moisturized. One big thing I do to keep my hair from drying out is to let it air dry, but when the temperature drops I can’t stand wet hair. That means I have no choice but to use a blow dryer when I’m in a hurry.

Using a blow dryer frequently in winter also means I have to use several products to keep my hair from drying out. Here’s a step-by-step guide to 10 products I rely on to keep my hair moisturized and protected when the temperature drops.

Everything I put on my hair in winter must help retain and replenish as much moisture as possible. To kick start the moisturization process, once a week I use Phytonectar, a pre-shampoo oil treatment ($30.00 for a 1.7 fl oz bottle with pump) that hydrates ultra dry hair.

Phytonectar is a rich treatment made from egg yolk oil. If you’ve got a sensitive nose, then you might be turned off by the herbal, slightly eggy scent. I kinda like it, though. My hair is really thick, so I work in two pumps thoroughly from mid-shaft to the ends. I then put my hair up in a bun, secure it with a claw clip and just hang out for a while to let the oil penetrate. While I’m waiting I’ll putter around the house or watch TV to give the product time to soak in and do its thing.

After half an hour, I’ll jump in the shower, wet my hair and work the Phytonectar into a light lather. Then, I’ll finish by washing with a moisturizing shampoo, my favorite being Bumble & Bumble’s Gentle Shampoo ($21.00 for a 8 oz bottle). It smells like honeysuckle, lathers up nicely and always rinses clean. The extra pre-shampoo step with Phytonectar makes a huge difference in keeping my hair soft and moisturized.

Even though I lurves my Bumble & Bumble Gentle Shampoo, I can only use it once a week because if I shampoo too often my hair dries out. To avoid this, I do a conditioner “wash” with a silicone-free drugstore conditioner. My favorite is VO5 Vanilla Mint Tea Clarifying Conditioner (about $2.00 for a 15 fl oz bottle) because it’s super cheap and smells like mint tea! I put a generous amount into my palms, vigorously massaging it into my scalp and hair from roots to ends. I’ve been doing conditioner washes for about a year now and they really help to moisturize my hair.

After rinsing out the VO5, I squeeze out the excess water from my hair and coat it with a moisturizing conditioner like Philip B. Deep-Conditioning Creme Rinse ($26.00 for a 6 oz tube). This silicon-free, shea butter conditioner moisturizes well without weighing down my hair. Its spicy scent reminds me of fresh baked pumpkin bread, and it rinses clean, leaving my hair feeling soft and smelling yummy.

When the weather gets cold my scalp goes nuts. One thing I do to keep the flakes at bay is mix granulated brown sugar into my shampoo or conditioner. When you massage the grains of sugar into your scalp, the friction removes the flakes. It’s a cheap and natural exfoliant. Put a few tablespoons into a plastic bowl you set on a counter outside your shower, but don’t forget: mix it into your shampoo or conditioner immediately before washing. Wait too long and the sugar grains will dissolve.

Not only a scalp exfoliant and baking ingredient, but also one of my favorite movies ever

When the flakes are really persistent and I need something stronger, I’ll wash with Head & Shoulders Sensitive Care Shampoo ($7.00 for a 23 fl oz bottle). It’s cheap, and I find it the least drying of all the dandruff shampoos.

Speaking of drying, try not to overdo the hair dryer. Might I suggest the miraculous T3. I know I go on and on about this thing, but seriously, it changed my life. Yes, it’s very expensive ($300), but it’s also the best dryer on the market today. It’ll dry your hair faster than Britney downs a bag of Cheetoes!

Before I blow dry, I apply a protective layer of leave-in conditioner and gel. Right now I’m loving on Phyto 7 ($26.00 for 1.7 fl oz tube), a moisturizing leave-in conditioner made from plant extracts. It’s creamy, has a non-greasy texture and doesn’t leave my hair feeling sticky or heavy. I work a small amount throughout my hair, concentrating on the ends.

Next up: a few dollops of Philip B. Drop Dead Hair Straightening Baume ($22.00 6.5 oz tube). Although this gel is first a hair straightener, I like it for both curly and straight hair looks in winter because of its amazing staying power in humidity. My hair stays stick straight no matter what - rain, mist or fog. It’s also silicone-free, woo hoo!

The last product I rely on during the winter months is Rene Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo ($23.00 for a 3.2 oz aerosol spray can).

I was really turned off by dry (waterless) shampoos after the disastrous Salon Grafix incident a few months ago, but Naturia has completely changed my tune. It freshens my scalp and gives my greasy roots a lift, extending the life of my blowout by at least two days. It also has a nice floral scent and doesn’t turn my roots white, either.

I’ve always wished for low maintenance hair, but, unfortunately, nature didn’t deal me those cards. The extra work to keep my hair happy is worth it to me because hair is that one accessory you wear every day. And, hey, when all else fails, there’s always hats!

I’m a little under the weather today (*achoo!*), so I’m going to spend the day chilling out. I hope your Saturday has been fun so far!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Makeup and Beauty Tips for Breast Cancer Patients: Staying Beautiful Inside and Out!

This is a picture of my friend, Mary Anne. She’s a breast cancer survivor and the coolest dentist I know.

We met a few years ago at UC Davis (GO AGS), where she had the annoying habit of getting good grades in organic chemistry!

It seemed like our lives were destined to follow a certain track: finish school, get great job, find kick-ass boy, etc.; so when she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year it was really shocking. It felt like it was only yesterday when we were at her house at 2:00 in the morning “studying,” aka pigging out and watching Jerry Springer.

Next thing I know we’re kickin’ it at the chemotherapy ward and making jokes about the IV she’s toting around.

Yet despite this difficult and emotional year, I’ve watched my friend handle this challenge with grace and positivity.

One of the many challenges for Mary Anne was navigating the world of makeup and beauty as a cancer patient. How do you deal with losing your eyebrows? What do you when you feel a hot flash coming on? These are just a few makeup/beauty issues that she had to deal with.

So without further ado, here are a few great tips that she’s learned this past year on how to stay beautiful both inside and out.

And if you have a friend or a relative who has breast cancer or was recently diagnosed please forward this post to her. Let’s make someone feel hopeful today!

Makeup and Beauty Tips for Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors from the Lovely Mary Anne

Name
Mary Anne

Age and occupation
31 years old (My 31st birthday was very special, it happened to be my last day of radiation!)
Dentist

When were you diagnosed? How did you find out?

During a routine physical exam in October 2006, my primary care physician found a lump on my left breast. Prior to that, I had no idea it existed and never had any symptoms. Nine days later, the pathology report was in. I was in total disbelief when the doctor said “malignant invasive ductal carcinoma.” All I could do was cry.

After feeling the lump for the first time, I thought to myself…”It’s so obvious; I should’ve found it earlier!” I did not do monthly breast exams and thought I was immune to cancer because I was young, strong, and heading to the top of my career. Cancer was NOT on my agenda. Little did I know, it was going to be my only agenda item for this year.

Self-breast exams are recommended every month after our menses. Palpating your breasts in the shower with soap is the perfect time to get to know your breasts. Be sure to lift your arm and check the underarm areas as well.

What are makeup/beauty tips that you’d give to a woman who has breast cancer to stay beautiful on the outside?

Here they are in order of importance! I had to figure most of this stuff on my own, so I thought I should share them all.

- Hydrate daily. Drink plenty of water and moisturize your body including your lips. I like Cetaphil and Eucerin products.

Cetaphil gentle skin cleanser, about $11 for 16 oz bottle, at your favorite drugstore

- When you feel tired, your body is telling you something…it’s saying “REST, I’m tired!”

- With clearance from your doctor, EXERCISE! If you are taking steroids to counter the side effects of chemo drugs, don’t be surprised if you find yourself a little plumper.

- Eat healthy but don’t deprive yourself of an occasional treat. Ask your doctor to speak to a nutritionist. Some hospitals offer complimentary consults. If needed, you may also want to consider speaking with a cancer psychologist as well as a social worker to assist with financial aid and participation in cancer programs.

- FLOSS! See your dentist for regular dental care. Post chemo and radiation, I now have xerostomia (dry mouth) and gum recession. Some cancer patients also experience cold/canker sores. I recommend topical fluoride treatments (like Omnii Pharmaceutical’s varnish) and regular cleanings with clearance from your medical physician. Saliva acts as a buffer against the acidic environment that causes tooth decay; so lack of saliva (dry mouth) may result in increased cavities. Speak to your dentist about Biotene (for xerostomia), Periomed (which contains stannous fluoride), Prevention Oncology Rinses (found it in Walgreens, soothing to the tissues), and Colgate’s Orabase (it contains cyanoacrylate, the same stuff in crazy glue, it’s palliative for cold sores). Chew sugar free gum with xylitol. Brush twice a day.

- Before your hair falls out, try a funky, new, bold short haircut to minimize messy floors and clogged drains. It was only two weeks into chemo that my hair started falling out in clumps. A very sweet hairdresser, Jessica, at Thirteen Salon in Walnut Creek, CA shaved my head. It was one of the most liberating things I have ever done.

Halle Berry with a short style

Alyssa Milano with cute, short hair

- Anastasia’s Eyebrow Kit. I was never one to draw in eyebrows. The kit has everything for a beginner…stencils, mascara, the perfect eyebrow brush and colors.

Anastasia Five Piece Brow Kit, $65.00, anastasia.net or Sephora

- Find pretty nail polish. Chemo drugs such as Adriamycin and Cytoxin will turn your nails black. I prefer darker colors like OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark and Mrs. O’Leary’s BBQ.

OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark, $7.50 at Amazon.com

- Treat yourself to a nice scarf. I found a classy large scarf at H&M for $8!

- Try NARS bronzer and blush. Apply a little bit to give yourself a healthy glow. It works!

Nars Orgasm Blush and Laguna Bronzer duo, $36 at Sephora

- Attend “Look Good, Feel Better,” a seminar held by the American Cancer Society free of charge for cancer patients. They give $200-$400 worth of brand name cosmetics to each attendee. They also give free wig and make-up tips. Call your local society for more information.

- Carry hand sanitizer wherever you go.

- When a hotflash comes on, just imagine that you’re in a sauna and think peaceful thoughts. Get a meditation CD.

What beauty tips would you give to a woman who has breast cancer to stay beautiful and positive emotionally?

- Pray. Meditate. Yoga. Walk.

- This really helps…Whenever I was feeling down, I started to count my blessings. I thought of all the things I am thankful for i.e. mom, dad, sisters, brothers, nephew, relatives, friends, advances in health care, food on the table, plumbing, clean water, chocolate.

- Remember, life is worth every minute. You can choose your thoughts. Keep a positive attitude and if there is any time to erase negativity in your life, it’s NOW. Choose to LOVE LIFE and never lose HOPE. Plus, when your kids see you love life and do good for others, they will be happier and will contribute more to this beautiful world in their lifetimes. As you go through this challenge, you will be amazed by your strength, courage, and stamina. You will also be amazed by the resilience of your body.

- Growing up, I have always believed that there are virtues that no one can ever take away from me like integrity…same goes for your HOPE, FAITH, and your ability to LOVE.

- Forgive. Forgive. Forgive. Truly Forgive.

- SMILE, it doesn’t cost you anything.

- Dance, it doesn’t cost you anything.

- It’s okay to cry. It can be very cleansing. Lean on your family and friends for support.

- Take a picture of your baldness. I wish I did.

- Do something good for yourself everyday.

- Meet other cancer patients and survivors. Make friends at the infusion center. Might as well make your 3-5 hour infusions pleasant.

Welcome to the sisterhood, sista! When you are done, you will come out with GRACE, SERENITY, and POWER! This is where true beauty is found…in your heart and soul. There are people who are fighting for you and who want you to win this battle!

What are you looking forward to most in the next year?

I’m looking forward to enjoying family, friendships, life, more rigorous workouts, learning how to cook gourmet meals, travel, and mission trips. I’m looking forward to practicing dentistry again. I love my patients. Oh and, taking a picture with the kitty on this website.

More Fab Breast Cancer Awareness Products

It’s not too early to start thinking about stocking stuffers for Christmas! One gift I plan on getting all the women in my life is In Touch Breast Self-Exam Glove, which you can purchase at Bath & Body Works for $9.00.

This reusable glove reduces friction by 50% and increases sensitivity, so your fingers can glide smoothy across the breast during your monthly breast self-exam. This kit also includes complete exam intsructions, a monthly reminder calendar, and a pretty travel satchel for your glove.

I just tried this glove during my last breast self-exam and it really does make it easier. I now keep the kit in my bathroom and just check off date on the calendar so I can keep track of my exam dates. Every woman on my Christmas list is getting one of these!

Another great stocking stuffer is tarte’s inside out lipstick in the shade Sweet Dreams, which I reviewed a few weeks ago.

October is a great month to pick up this pretty dusty-pink rose lippie, because 20% of the retail sales will go to Young Survival Coalition, youngsurvival.org. You can purchase Sweet Dreams inside-out lipstick at Sephora stores nationwide.

Ladies, please do a monthly breast self exam and encourage the women in your life to do the same!

Hugs to you and to all the breast cancer survivors fighting to stay healthy.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

circa 1989

I can’t lie; my 21st birthday was over a decade ago. Yes, it’s been a little weird for me to see teenagers wearing stuff I wore 15 years ago and to see makeup trends get recycled, but so far getting older has been pretty cool. I can eat brownies for breakfast if I want (which I did this morning); I’m better at real-life problem solving because of various experiences with work, people and life in general; and I understand myself much more than I did as a young lass of 21.

And although I still feel very young (a big YAY for both immature behavior and years of dedicated sunscreen use), I’ve noticed subtle changes year after year. My skin is a little dryer, there’s an occasional white hair on the top of my head and my hands look different.

So lately I’ve been exploring the world of anti-aging products.

If you’ve spent any time in a drugstore or a department store you may have noticed that everyone and their momma is selling something to tighten this, erase that, etc. etc. Although I try lots of products, I don’t always feel comfortable writing about it on the blog because I find it really hard to quantify the results. I don’t have a lot of wrinkles to start with and it’s often hard to see a real difference after only few weeks.

When I evaluate anti-aging products I think about the packaging, the texture and scent, what the active ingredients are and the price. It’s really hard to determine efficacy, and what works for me may not work for you, so please take it all in with a grain o’ salt. Now let’s get to the good stuff!

Hair Product Reviews - Phytodensium Anti-Aging Shampoo and Serum

Products: Pytodensium Anti-Aging Shampoo and Anti-Aging Serum
Price: $24 for the shampoo, $32 for the serum
Use: to strengthen weak and fragile aging hair
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while you probably already know that I’m extremely picky about my hair because it’s hard to manage. I figure, we wear our hair every day, so I can justify spending a bit more on hair products that I like.

Phyto is a brand I’ve been using for years. The love affair started in 2001, when I got my first tube of Phytodefrisant and a bottle of their Phytonectar shampoo for dry hair. I like that the products don’t have heavy silicones, are full of botanicals, and don’t strip my dry, colored hair. They recently released an anti-aging shampoo and serum, which I couldn’t wait to get my hands on.

What it does
Phytodensium is an anti-aging shampoo and serum that targets aging hair, and claims to help restore strength into weak and fragile hair.

Active ingredients include:
- Gatuline age-defense (derived from walnet extracts) to protect against free radicals
- Black currant seed oil as a source of oemga-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to regenerate hair
- Botanical protein complex to increase hair’s elasticity

What I liked about it
I shampoo just once or twice a week (the rest of the time I wash with conditioner…there’s a bunch of weird things you have to do with wavy hair to keep it happy) so I’m extremely picky. I like the product to be moisturizing, to not contain any heavy silicones, and to not strip my color.

Phytodensium shampoo delivers on all three of these demands. It cleans without being harsh, and leaves me hair and scalp feeling refreshed. It has a light, slightly floral scent that’s very pretty and it doesn’t leave my hair smelling too perfume-y, which I can’t stand.

The serum is a light, thin, non-oily liquid that I first apply into my palms with the dropper. I rub my palms together and then massage the product into my scalp and hair before styling. It has the same floral scent.

What I found interesting about this combo is that using both products relaxes the wave in my hair. It goes from a one-inch s wave to a one and half inch wave. I like the look or relaxed, beachy waves (think Giselle’s, long flowy locks) so I loved this nice side effect. And the effect is consistent, too, which is a minor miracle when you have hard-to-tame hair.

What I didn’t like about it
I can’t tell if these products are really helping to assist my hair in the anti-aging department. They smell great and give me a beautiful loose waves, but I can’t say for sure if my hair has become stronger or younger-looking.

The final word
I loved this shampoo and serum combo, and I would definitely buy it over and over again, but mostly for the gentleness in cleansing and the wonderful after-effect of loose waves rather than for the anti-aging claims. If you’re trying to avoid silicones, or are looking for products that loosen your curl, then it is definitely worth a try.

You might need anti-aging products if…

- You didn’t get an e-mail account until you took a class that required you to get one…in college.
- You own a mix tape that you made off of the local hip hop station; extra points if either Salt & Pepa’s “Push It” or MC Hammer’s “Can’t Touch This” is on it.
- You remember when girls did not talk about waxing or tweezing their eyebrows.
- Your O.G. “skinny jeans” were of the Bongo or Guess variety, and they were so tight that after lunch you could barely breathe as you sat in history class.
- You had or knew someone who had a spiral perm gone wrong.
- Your bullshit-o-meter is so finely tuned because you’ve heard it all before.

How are you feeling today? I’m a little on the emotionally exhauasted side. I love watching movies and last night I saw a fantastic documentary called God Grew Tired of Us, which follows three of Sudan’s “lost boys.” The lost boys were the 20,000 children who were orphaned during the Second Sudanese Civil War. The story follows three refugees, John, Daniel and Panther, who find their way to America, where they experience electricity, running water and supermarkets for the first time. The film is so touching and well made (it even won an award at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival) and I was teary through most of it. I thought about it as I was falling asleep last night and I’m still thinking about it this morning.

Watching it made me think what sort of impact that we can make on other people. I know that this lil’ beauty blog isn’t going to stop any wars or make any large scale global changes, but I hope that every once in a while I get to help you, even if it’s just to to make you laugh out loud during your day.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, friends.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen