It's been a minute since I've subjected you to my not expertise in the hair/skin/nail realm of the beauty world ... let's remedy that, stat.
This fine and new-to-me company sent a few new products over for me to try and are generously sponsoring this post. Fortunately, you can count on my honest opinion and hey! count your lucky stars that I'm not talking about diapers. :)
Okay. Down to business.
1. Maybelline Full' N Soft Mascara - I've talked about it before. I've tried several (much!) more expensive and highly recommended brands and I still keep coming back to this one. It doesn't crunch or take off half the lash when I absent mindedly rub it off at the end of the day and it doesn't need to be applied multiple times to look awesome.
2. Dr. Brandt Laser Fx Perfect Serum - I've only had it for a week but I'm really curious to see what it does after four weeks because it's supposed to help smooth imperfections (hello acne scars) and lines but for now the (deep) little lines between my eyes are a little less noticeable. And my left cheek is a lot smoother despite the little colony of (fading) scars that reside there (for now! don't get comfortable!).
3. Dr. Brandt Laser Fx Bright Serum - I'm a total sucker for a serum and this one claims to fade and diminish dark spots and help brighten the complexion. Again, I've only had it in my possession for a week but it really has gotten the last bits of my melasma (thanks Phoebe) down to a very light and dull roar. I know everyone complains about postpartum hair (I do too) but I always feel like my skin takes the worst hit. Maybe from lack of sleep? But I just feel like the pregnancy glow disappears VERY quickly after the baby is born and this seems to have helped bring back my glow groove quite back quite a bit (my not-pregnant glow ... to be clear :)).
3.5 Dr. Brandt Laser Fx Lift Serum - I didn't want to overload things so I haven't tried this one yet (although I was tempted to try it on my sagging stomach skin - sorry for that visual!) but have great expectations for it. All three serums smell really good, very clean (if that makes sense) and a very tiny bit goes a very long way. And you can get $10 off any one of them right over here!
4. Tangle Teezer - All the ladies in the Patton place love this one.
Even her.
But really. Julia doesn't freak anymore when I brush her hair after I wash it and I spend a lot less time getting the knots out of my hair post-shower with this fine piece of plastic. I don't understand how it works but it does and it's great.
5. Paula's Choice Soft Cream Concealer - I use it to cover any blemishes and if I'm feeling fancy I'll tackle the under eye situation (rarely) but it doesn't cake, stays put, and blends quickly with my fingertip (I know! I should use a brush .... one day!).
6. Zoya polish (Rue) - This shade is actually part of the spring collection (late to every party) but I keep using it because even after Sebastian spills my entire bottle of top coat ... and I'm forced to wear it que solo (my life! it's tough!) it goes for many days without chipping. It's has a little hint of lavender (that photo makes it look very pink) but I like it a lot. And I've tried a zillion neutral polishes. Yes, one zillion.
And that's all the she typed.
I am on the hunt for new shampoo + conditioner for lifeless locks (not vinegar) AND a new scent because the last perfume I bought was long before I met Simon. Any suggestions are always very greatly appreciated.
Happy hour, day, night, AND weekend to you and yours.
And a big italicized thanks to Dr. Brandt!
This fine and new-to-me company sent a few new products over for me to try and are generously sponsoring this post. Fortunately, you can count on my honest opinion and hey! count your lucky stars that I'm not talking about diapers. :)
Okay. Down to business.
1. Maybelline Full' N Soft Mascara - I've talked about it before. I've tried several (much!) more expensive and highly recommended brands and I still keep coming back to this one. It doesn't crunch or take off half the lash when I absent mindedly rub it off at the end of the day and it doesn't need to be applied multiple times to look awesome.
2. Dr. Brandt Laser Fx Perfect Serum - I've only had it for a week but I'm really curious to see what it does after four weeks because it's supposed to help smooth imperfections (hello acne scars) and lines but for now the (deep) little lines between my eyes are a little less noticeable. And my left cheek is a lot smoother despite the little colony of (fading) scars that reside there (for now! don't get comfortable!).
3.5 Dr. Brandt Laser Fx Lift Serum - I didn't want to overload things so I haven't tried this one yet (although I was tempted to try it on my sagging stomach skin - sorry for that visual!) but have great expectations for it. All three serums smell really good, very clean (if that makes sense) and a very tiny bit goes a very long way. And you can get $10 off any one of them right over here!
4. Tangle Teezer - All the ladies in the Patton place love this one.
But really. Julia doesn't freak anymore when I brush her hair after I wash it and I spend a lot less time getting the knots out of my hair post-shower with this fine piece of plastic. I don't understand how it works but it does and it's great.
5. Paula's Choice Soft Cream Concealer - I use it to cover any blemishes and if I'm feeling fancy I'll tackle the under eye situation (rarely) but it doesn't cake, stays put, and blends quickly with my fingertip (I know! I should use a brush .... one day!).
6. Zoya polish (Rue) - This shade is actually part of the spring collection (late to every party) but I keep using it because even after Sebastian spills my entire bottle of top coat ... and I'm forced to wear it que solo (my life! it's tough!) it goes for many days without chipping. It's has a little hint of lavender (that photo makes it look very pink) but I like it a lot. And I've tried a zillion neutral polishes. Yes, one zillion.
And that's all the she typed.
I am on the hunt for new shampoo + conditioner for lifeless locks (not vinegar) AND a new scent because the last perfume I bought was long before I met Simon. Any suggestions are always very greatly appreciated.
Happy hour, day, night, AND weekend to you and yours.
And a big italicized thanks to Dr. Brandt!
I've loved the perfume "Pretty" by Sarah Jessica Parker for a long, long time and would highly recommended it! One spritz goes a long way so a bottle lasts me a really long time :-)
ReplyDeleteI've never even heard of it but you had the BEST Target sweater pick so .... I trust this it the same!! Thanks lady!!
Delete*is (Phoebe is assisting me ... you know how that goes)
Deletetell us where this sweater pick is?
Deleteyes where is this sweater
DeleteIt was from last fall but I looked and found something pretty close that they have right now! Seriously best sweater ever for pregnancy and I bet postpartum too :-) Here it is! I have it in navy blue.
Deletehttp://m.target.com/p/women-s-layering-cardigan-sweater/-/A-15647454#next-image
Do you mean "Lovely"? It's what I've worn for years...
DeleteI can't help with the perfume because I probably bought mine around the same time... still love it, but like an idiot I bought one that only came out one year. I would like to help by babysitting Phoebe. She is too cute and I love her little rolls.
ReplyDeletei really like marc jacobs daisy and they sell a rollerball which fits easily in a purse for freshening. i know i need it.
ReplyDeletehttp://semiweeklyeats.blogspot.com/2014/09/work-outfit-16.html
The tangle teaser brush is a must in my house- especially for my oldest with curls.
ReplyDeleteAs for perfume, if you like light-smelling I highly recommend anything by Issey Miyake. Chanel's Mademoiselle is also a favorite. Versace Bright Crystal smells like peonies if you happen to like that particular type of flower. :)
Love knot genies for hair! Why weren't they around when I was growing up a felt the need to chopp.off 1/2 my hair myself to avoid getting the knots combed out...
ReplyDeleteI shampoo my hair with a mixture of baby shampoo and baking soda once a week and it does wonders for getting rid of product buildup. I recommend it to anyone who'll listen to me.
ReplyDeleteTrying that this morning! Thank you!!
DeleteI don't have any contributions because I wear the same make up I did in high school. 15 years later. BUT...I did want to say thank you for your blog, because reading through the archives has made the past 5 hours of having to work on a pretty Friday a lot less painful and boring.
ReplyDeleteNot the archives! I'm cringing.
DeleteI do hope you get out of work soon!!! :)
I'm halfway through 2011. 1 hour of work to go. Many posts can be consumed in 1 hour!!
DeleteI love the tangle teezer!! We used something similar on our horses growing up and I never thought to try it on my own hair. Then I saw this thing at Sally's and thought they were selling horse supplies, clearly not the case. But I like it!
ReplyDeleteI just started using Costco shampoo and conditioner and so far I love it! My all time favorite shampoo is Pureology, but I just can't fork over the cash for it anymore. Someone else wrote something about Costco shampoo being sulphate free, gluten-free (I don't know why that matters) and vegan. A fraction of the cost of Pureology and so far it's done my 16 month post-partum hair good!
ReplyDeleteIt actually does matter for celiacs and people with a severe gluten allergy!
DeleteFor the rest of us, not so much :)
Good to know :)
DeleteI'm currently using Redken shampoo with Trader Joe's conditioner and the combination is really good—I feel like for the first time in my life, my hair actually is a "wash and wear" style. I've also heard amazing things about the shampoo bars at Lush, so I'm hoping to try one of those out soon!
ReplyDeleteI've been using the L'oreal sulfate free line (usually the mosturizing one, just got the hydrocharge one for wavy hair to try next). I loooove how my hair is...less dry, but still with volume at the roots. Don't like the hairspray of the same line though--it's alcohol free but it seems way too sticky for me.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, thanks for the afternoon kid-nap-time read, always a pleasure!
Pureology has the best smelling shampoo (volumizing shampoo, hydrating conditioner). It's crazy expensive but a tad less in the big bottles and a little bit goes a loooong way. I'm willing to splurge since my hair is coming out like crazy post baby. My fav perfume is Chanel chance and Chanel mademoiselle...both gifts from Stephen since prior to that I would use either Clinique samples or Victoria's Secret body spray...classy.
ReplyDeleteShared a "15% off big bottles" haircare (including Pureology) ad with my hairdresser, who let me know that she sells them for a lower price, every day, so I of course ditched the trip to that store and stocked up at my stylist's instead.
DeleteIt might be worth it to compare prices with your hairdresser first. I was glad I asked mine!
Redken Bodyful is a great line for hair of the lifeless variety!
ReplyDeleteThat's what I use! It's lost it's luster all of a sudden :(
DeleteJennifer Aniston has this shampoo that I really like. It's called Living Proof Full Shampoo and the conditioner is really light and not greasy. It's kind of pricy, I get it at Sephora.com but it's the only thing that makes my hair not like moss on a rock!
ReplyDeletei used full n' soft for my wedding per your recommendation and now I am in love! thank you! i LOVE my miss dior eau de parfum scent - it's feminine without being overbearing. whenever i wear it i receive multiple compliments- score!
ReplyDeleteMy new favorite shampoo/condition is Davines - it smells amazing and does great things for my hair! AND you can get it on Amazon! :)
ReplyDeleteSo the Tangle Teaser really works? I'm at my wits end with Evie's tangled hair. I've tried conditioners, serums, etc. I've been resorting to cutting out huge tangles. Ugh, must buy.
ReplyDeleteI love old school Burberry. A spritz of it is fresh enough smelling to brighten up my day and even when it fades it leaves a nice after-scent.
ReplyDeleteFavorite of all time has to be Dolce and Gabanna Light. Blue....also love Marc Jacobs Lola and DKNY Pure!
ReplyDeleteI also got to try these serums out, and I'm slightly addicted to using them every day now. You would have thought they would give us like, I don't know, at least 3 weeks to actually see results but either way, I'm using them down to the last drop.
ReplyDeleteFor my wedding I got a sample of Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb (and then forgot to wear it) and it is the best perfume I have ever smelled/worn! Plus with a name like Flowerbomb it's gotta be pretty darn good ;)
ReplyDeleteI love J'adore and Light Blue. I feel naked without perfume.
ReplyDeleteI love the Honest Co shampoo/body wash. It took a bit to get used to (less foamy than others), but the scent is heavenly. Best part- you can get it in the baby section at costco!!! 2 giant bottles for $14.99. It's free of all of the icky stuff that builds up on hair and I use it on my daughter too. Let me know about the perfume- I've stopped wearing it, but would if you recommended something awesome. Shopping for it seems overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteUghh! I love all this but I can't use any of it for the time being! I actually am doing a 90 day natural makeup experiment (along with several other things eliminated) to see if it helps me feel better! It doesn't looks like this stuff would qualify. Boo! Very fun stuff, though!
ReplyDeleteooh, have you tried fekkai's full volume shampoo & conditioner? his products are crazy amazing, and you can usually get them on ebay for less.
ReplyDeleteWould love for you to share the shampoo/conditioner and scent suggestions when they come rolling in! The last time I bought a "perfume", it was the gap's grapefruit scent haha.
ReplyDeleteYou have to try this brand called Clear! I was ready to chop I disasterous post partum locks off when a hair dresser friend told me about this stuff. I got the Complete Care shampoo and conditioner, and I am OBSESSED. After using it just one time my husband commented on how great my hair looked. It's my personal mission to tell everyone how amazing it is. And only $4.50 a bottle at Target!
ReplyDeleteYes, the tangle teaser is great! I can actually brush my 3 yo's hair every so often instead of hardly ever. :) and matrix normalizing shampoo has been great for my limp hair. Clear shampoos used to always make my hair super greasy (strange!), but this one is above and beyond other shampoos I've tried.
ReplyDeleteI also really like the wet brush (also on amazon) for tangled hair. I used the sauve naturals shampoo/conditioner (in the shea butter scent, yum) and I love it. I wash my hair just twice a week though so I dunno if that makes a difference. But I started using that organix coconut serum you recommended on my ends back in January and my hair loves you. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteAnother lover of the Wet Brush here. My daughter hated getting her hair brushed with other brushes-- this one she doesn't mind at all. Also, before chopping all my hair off, it did wonders with my long, unruly locks. I recommend this brush to everyone!
DeleteI like Ralph by Ralph Lauren, and Pantene Pro V.
ReplyDeleteAmazing Grace (no pun intended ;)) by philosophy and warm vanilla sugar from bath and body works are my go to scents...combined or separate and I love them, with Amazing Grace a little goes a long way.
ReplyDeleteI have never worn perfume in my life but I feel like I should be a grown-up and get some. So... if you find good ones, do tell!
ReplyDeleteAmika brand hair products smell AMAZING. Although expensive to get the whole line, I just make do with the "Nourishing Mask." I wash my hair every other day (they also have pretty great dry shampoo), and I use the mask as my every shower conditioner. As for shampoo, use something scalp oriented (Head&shoulders, Clear, Aveda scalp remedy...) I find best results for whole hair health with a shampoo focused on the scalp!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite scent is Beach, by Bobbi Brown. It is described as smelling of jasmine, sea spray, and mandarin, for the woman who wants a "light, clean, fresh scent." It's amazing, go smell it somewhere. I also love the body oil (also called Beach) and get a bottle for my mom every mother's day. And I also love the shower gel. I'm obsessed.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds perfect. I need to get to a perfume counter and smell this!
DeleteJust got the BEST new perfume. Giorgio Armani Si. Yup...Si!!! It's like Mr. Patton made it just for you. I sprayed it on myself at the store and went back to buy it because I almost rear-ended the car in front of me because I couldn't stop smelling my arm.
ReplyDeleteI just got Tocca's Florence in my Birchbox and I am BUYING it. I am almost strictly a Chanel NO. 5 girl, but I'm going to own this soon!!!
ReplyDelete273 Indigo by Fred Hayman is my (so far) favorite scent. I'm a sucker for citrus though because it doesn't seem to get all funky smelling by the end of the day like some scents seem to do on me... Plus, it's something different:-)
ReplyDeleteI also have a thing for Fresh Sugar Lychee:)
I love the Organix (now OGX) brand shampoo. The coconut and mint scents are really nice.
ReplyDeleteI love Pureology even though it's expensive. A little does go a long way and I spent so much money trying others out that I went back. Also, thanks for the mascara recommendation--I love it and obe tried so many kinds!
ReplyDeleteI'm still working on trying to find the "perfect" shampoo but Aussie's 3-minute miracle conditioner is pretty amazing. I was having horrible time with dry ends and after only one application my hair was noticeably different and looked much healthier. Bonus: It's like $3 at Target.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could say I found this product all on my own but really I saw it on Kate's blog (The Small Things). She is a beauty genius!
perfumes - i love Lacoste Pour Femme, Euphoria by Calvin Klein (good winter scent), long time lover (since high school) of white musk by The Body Shop, Miracle by Lancome...but of course it all depends on your body chemistry and the scent!
ReplyDeleteWe just got one of those brushes as a gift and I LOVE it. My son's hair is unruly in the morning and that brush works great, easy to wet down a little and make things look manageable.
ReplyDeleteI second others who have said Fekkai. It's what I use, and it's the only thing that leaves my hair soft without adding oil to it. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI hope you give us an update on the serums. I'd love to see if they made a difference. Now if you start giving us recommendations for stretch marks that are 15 years old, I'd be all over that.
That brush has been GOLD! Love it! Gigi does not whine and cry anymore, Praise the Lord! Perfume rec for ya: Trish Mcavoy #9 (Blackberry vanilla musk) I have been hooked on it since high school and people go nuts over it and always notice....not to mention the hubs loves it ;)
ReplyDeleteI love Amazing Grace from Philosophy, and for some reason I feel like it would suit you. Maybe it's the name? ;) I love Tea Tree Tingle from Trader's (shampoo and conditioner) because a) it's sulfate free, b) it's cheap, c) it smells like peppermint (which helps me a lot in the morning!), and d) it's cheap! Priorities always in order...
ReplyDeleteOh Grace!!! Thank you so much for the brilliant recommendation of the Tangle Teezer. I've always thought the worst part of being a female is having to brush out my hair. I ordered the Tangle Teezer right after reading your post and Amazon Prime brought it to me in a jiffy. Used it tonight after my shower and I could just kiss you. Never ever have I found something that helped with my fine snarls. Thank you many many times over!!
ReplyDeleteLazma Cream
ReplyDelete