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Beauty Favorites Haircare Sephora

Best Hair Care + Tools to Shop During the Sephora Sale

April 4, 2024

Best Hair Care to Shop during the Sephora Sale

The Sephora Savings Event starts on April 5th for Beauty Insiders and I’m rounding up my absolute favorites in every category starting with my Hair Care favorites. Dates and details for the event, use code YAYSAVE if you’re shopping online:

  • Rouge members 20% off: 4/5-4/15
  • VIBs 15% off: 4/9-4/15
  • Insiders 10% off: 4/9-4/15
  • All Sephora Collection 30% off: 4/5-4/15

A little background on my hair: I have thick unruly hair prone to frizz from humidity. I color treat with root touch ups every 2-3 months. I almost always blow dry as air drying leaves my hair frizzy. Even though my strands are thick I had a lot of hair loss and shedding about 2 years ago. The shedding has thankfully stopped and it’s started to grow back in baby hairs (natural growth).

I’ve split my recommendations of things I tried and loved by category to help you sort through my list. There are lots of great HAIR CARE SETS available and a wide range of items are available in MINI SIZES which are great to try.

Hair Tools

Dyson Airwrap Ceramic Pink

I love really love the Dyson Supersonic and Airwrap. I’ve had the Supersonic since 2017 and it still works perfectly just like the day I got it. I’ve used the Airwrap since 2020 and really love it too. I think they’re game changers for the way I style and dry my hair. Yes they’re a huge ouch to the wallet, but they were both well worth the splurge. They recently added a Ceramic Pink and Rose Gold color (limited-edition) and I decided to upgrade both my tools with this new color.

The Dyson Airwrap has been updated since I bought it the improvements have made it noticeably better! Attachments have slight changes in the design to make them multi-functional.

(new demo with the new airwrap coming soon, but here’s the original below)

Dyson Airwrap Styler

If you don’t curl your hair I’d recommend sticking with the Supersonic. It has stronger air flow with the nozzles for faster more efficient drying. It’s easier to travel with (if you don’t use the case).

That being said I think the Airwrap is amazing. It allows you to do so many different things in styling and drying. I will say that the curls take more time than a regular curling iron because you’ll need to use it on damp hair, use the heat and cooling options and add hair spray. For me it’s easier to use than a regular curling iron for me because of the wrapping feature. With the Airwrap I can get more relaxed beachy waves which is what I prefer, but with a hot curling iron your curls will definitely last longer.

The ghd Platinum+ Styler is my go-to hot tool for straightening and curling. It is technically a flat iron but I use it to curl my hair. The temperature is set to a constant 375 degrees and has sensors to maintain constant heat. This leaves my hair looking smooth and sleek. It goes with me on every single trip. I’ve done a few reviews and demos with this tool. 100% recommend. Smooth sleek hair in action HERE. Easy waves HERE.

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

Shampoo + Conditioner

Oribe Home & Away Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo & Conditioner Set

I’ve been absolutely obsessed with Oribe and Kerastase lately. They’re the formulas I keep going back to.

Oribe Gold Lust Repair and Restore Shampoo and Conditioner are the best formulas I use and repurchase the most. I have splurged on the liter bottles and refills. They’re quite expensive but the larger sizes are a better buy. If you’re new to this formula I recommend trying this #Oribeobsessed Mini Trio or this Gold Lust Ritual Set (value priced).

Kerastase Premiere Line is new and incredible! It is exactly what I needed to help clarify and clean my hair of buildup from hard water in Florida. Even with water softeners the water is still very harsh on my hair here. Most detox and clarifying shampoos almost always strip my hair or cause my scalp to become irritated. This Premiere line is the formula I have been looking for to clarify and restore my natural shine.

I do think you need the full system to see the best benefits. I tried this with just the shampoo and conditioner but the Pre-Shampoo Treatment made a HUGE difference. My hair hasn’t felt this healthy and clean since I left California. If you don’t want to splurge on the entire line, I would say stick with the Pre-Shampoo Treatment, Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner. The Serum is incredible for smoothing and protecting from heat and humidity. Since this is a repairing line I don’t think I would use these everyday, these would most likely be a 1x per week routine.

Kerastase Premiere line

I’ve tried nearly every Kerastase formula on virgin hair, hair with bleached highlights and now on hair that has root touch ups. They have a formula for every hair type.

  • Nutritive is the line great for dry hair and I really loved it.
  • Resistance is great good to help strengthen weak hair from heat styling
  • Discipline is their anti frizz smoothing line
  • When I had bleached hair and highlights the Blonde Absolu was my go-to line

I also still think Olaxplex and the Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair formulas are great. I just used up some bottles of Olaplex. I haven’t used Briogeo in a while but it’s one I would repurchase in a heartbeat.

Best Masks

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

My favorite formulas for hair masks:

Color Wow Money Mask is a great hydrating treatment

Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask is the best for smoothing

Kerastase Resistence Strengthening is great for split ends and weakened hair, also smells amazing

K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In is a leave in mask, but I still really think it’s 100% worth the splurge

Best Hair Oils / Leave In Conditioners

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Serum at Sephora review

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Serum review

Kerastase Elixir Ultime is one of the best hair oils I’ve tried

Virtue Hydrating Healing Oil is great for smoothing and repairing

Olaplex No 7 Bonding Oil is great for split ends

Shu Uemura Essence Absolue is another great hair oil for added shine, but it can feel a little heavy if you use too much

Best Heat Protectant / Blow Dry Primers

Oribe Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray

I’ll mainly use a primer heat protectant on damp hair for blow drying. There are other heat protectants designed to use on dry hair for heat tools like irons.

Oribe makes a lot of heat protectants. I really like their Royal Blowout Heat Styling Spray or Imperial Blowout Styling Cream.

Kerastase makes tons of primers in all of their formulas. I’ve really loved Resistance, Chronologiste or Nutritive the most.

Olaplex Blow Dry Mist is another great option that also adds volume.

Best Dry Shampoo

Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo

Three formulas I really like that don’t add any white cast to my dark hair include the Olaplex No 4D Clean Volume Dry Shampoo (probably my favorite right now), the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day PhD and PhD Advanced (both are great) and if you want to splurge the Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo is excellent.

Misc/Others

Best Detangling Spray Oribe Detangling Primer

For other miscellaneous styling products, here are three I really like:

That wraps up my hair care favorites post! I know there’s a lot but I hope this helps give you some recommendations if you’re looking for any new hair care.

If you have any ride or die favorites, let me know in the comments! Stay tuned for a roundup on the best makeup and skincare.

Beauty Tools Haircare

Sleek & Smooth Holiday Hair Made Easy with ghd

November 22, 2022

ghd Max Styler review - wide plate flat iron

You girls know how big of a fan I am of the smooth sleek hair look and my favorite styling tools from ghd are on sale for Black Friday! They are offering a discount up to 30% off sitewide now through 12/1 and will have special daily deals throughout the week. I really love their Platinum+ 1 Inch Styler and was recently sent the Max Styler to try. Both are great high quality heat styling tools I think are essential in my hair styling routine.

ghd Max Styler review - wide plate flat iron

I have naturally frizzy thick strands of hair which is hard to tame and the added Florida humidity makes it challenging for my hair to look smooth. I’m all for getting extra help with heat tools and some smoothing/styling products. The ghd flat irons have been game changers.

ghd Max Styler vs Platinum+ Flat Iron

The ghd Max Styler is their wide plate flat iron. The plates are 2 inches wide designed for those with longer or thicker hair for easier styling. The Max Styler has a pre-set temperature of 365 degrees for safer heat styling, dual-zone heat sensors to ensure temperature remains consistent from the roots all the way to the tip, 30 second heat up time, smooth gloss coated plates that glide along hair, rounded edges and an automatic sleep/off mode.

The Max Styler is also versatile for any type of hair styling. You can use it for a smooth sleek look. Since the edges are rounded and smooth you can also curl the ends or curl the hair in loose waves.

Here’s a look at the Max Styler and some before and after shots. Step 1 is to apply their Body Guard Heat Protectant.

ghd Body Guard Heat Protectant

Hair before

ghd wide paddle brush

section hair

sectioned hair for flat ironing

ghd max styler wide plate flat iron

I also love their Body Guard Heat Protectant. It dispenses a super fine even mist on the hair so there’s no clumping. Their Paddle Brush is another recent love and I really like their Detangling Comb to brush out wet hair.

ghd paddle brush and comb

ghd max styler wide flat iron

ghd max styler wide flat iron

ghd max styler wide flat iron

Overall love and highly recommend. Since the Max Styler has wider plates it makes the process of straightening my hair a lot faster. The Max Styler is 25% off for Black Friday and Platinum+ 1 inch styler is 25% off.

You can shop the sale now until 12/1.

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Many thanks to ghd for partnering to sponsor this post.

Beauty Favorites Haircare Sephora

Best Hair Care and Styling Picks from Sephora

November 3, 2022

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Smooth Sleek Hair

Many of you have asked for gift ideas for the best value beauty sets and I think hair care is one of the categories with the best options. I think hair care sets or tools are a no-fail option – every single person I know is always looking for a great hair mask or new tool to try. One of my favorite beauty gifts of all time was the Dyson Airwrap Styler (original version) which I use nearly every day.

With the Sephora sale in full swing I wanted to highlight my favorites in haircare. It’s a nice time to save on gift sets or something you wanted for yourself. I’ve split up my favorites by category. Use code SAVINGS at checkout to save:

  • Rouge Members save 20% off 10/28 to 11/7
  • VIB Members save 15% off 11/1 to 11/7
  • Insiders save 10% off purchases 11/3 to 11/7

Best Hair Care Styling Products

Hair Care loves Oribe, Olaplex and Christophe

Hair Tools

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

Here are my favorite hair styling tools:

  • ghd Platinum+ Styler – 1″ Flat Iron Gift Set with Paddle Brush & Heat Resistant Bag ($279)– This is my go-to hair styling tool for a sleek smooth hair look or easy curls. This holiday they have it in a value gift set with their Paddle Brush + Travel Case (love!!!). For those who want to see it in action you can see my natural hair state in this video. This really makes a huge difference!
  • ghd Paddle Brush ($35) – This is available in the gift set listed above and individually, I really love it. It’s the perfect size and and weight. Love that it’s sturdy and well made.
  • Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer ($429)– Love this for a good blow out. This is smaller than the Airwrap which makes it easier to travel with. I’ve had mine since 2017 and still love it to this day.
  • Dyson Airwrap Styler ($599) – I have the original of this and think it’s the best of the best. So many options with the attachments, easy to use, however if you don’t really curl your hair, opt for the Supersonic.
  • T3 AirLuxe Hair Dryer ($199.99) or Afar Lightweight Hair Dryer ($179.99) – While I think the Dyson is the best of the best, I understand it’s not in everyone’s budget. T3 also makes great tools (both of these are under $200). I’ve gifted these to friends and it definitely has a WOW factor.

ghd Platinum+ Styler in action:

 

Shampoo + Conditioner

Oribe Home & Away Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo & Conditioner Set

I rotate frequently with hair care as there are so many great formulas out these days. My top 4 brands from Sephora include Oribe, Olaplex, Kerastase and Briogeo. There are different formulas for different hair types and needs. These are my most repurchased formulas:

Hair Masks

I have to admit I’ve been neglecting hair masks this year but I started using them again and noticed a world of difference in smoothness and shine. These are my favorites

Heat Protectant/Leave In/Primers

Kerastase Serum Chroma Thermique Hair Serum

Since I use heat tools on a regular basis a leave in conditioner, primer or heat protectant is essential. There are tons of options and I know it can get overwhelming on which one to use and when. Here are my favorites and when I use them (a lot of these are versatile):

For flat irons or curling tools:

For blow dryer heat:

Prep and Condition/Detangle:

Hair Styling

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray and Gold Lust Dry Shampoo

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Dry Shampoo and Texturizers and Volume

Hold/Hair Spray

Added Shine

Accessories

Best Hair Care Sephora Sale

I hope you found this roundup helpful! I know there’s a lot I covered but I hope that having it split by category helps you navigate which products to shop by need. If you need any other hair care recommendations let me know in the comments!

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Great Hair Tools

 

Great Gift Sets

Haircare Sephora

New Hair Care Tries & Current Loves

August 29, 2022

Hair Care Loves from Sephora

Sharing a roundup of some new hair care tries from Sephora today along with an update on other products I tried earlier this year!

Dae Monsoon Moisture Milk Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner

There are a few new shampoo and conditioner formulas out now. As a fan of the Dae Haircare line I immediately purchased the new Monsoon Moisture Milk Hydrating Shampoo ($26) and Monsoon Moisture Hydrating Conditioner ($26). Both are really nice for adding moisture back into the hair. The Shampoo lathers nicely and has a soft almost meadowfoam like scent to it. The Hydrating Conditioner is like a thick cream, but still has enough fluidity to pump out easily.

I really like both, but if you have normal/oily hair I’d recommend sticking with their Signature Shampoo and Conditioner (both also great and versatile, and they smell like bubblegum, in a good way!)

Olaplex No 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo

I love Olaplex and they recently launched their No 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo ($30) and I really like it. It’s a great clarifying formula to remove product buildup, sweat and dirt that accumulates. You do need to follow up with a conditioner or mask, I use their No 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner when I use this.

Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Cream

For hair care styling and anti-frizz treatments I have a few staples I wanted to give some love to. I’ve tried so many blow dry heat protectants and the Briogeo Farewell Frizz Blow Dry Perfection Heat Protectant Cream ($26) is one I keep going back to. It is a lightweight cream with the perfect texture for my hair. Doesn’t weigh it down, doesn’t end up being too thick, leaves hair smooth and soft!

dpHUE Color Fresh Leave-In Conditioner Mist

The dpHUE Color Fresh Leave-In Conditioner Mist ($28) continues to be a favorite leave in conditioner spray I use on damp hair.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo

For dry shampoo I really love the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo ($30). It has their fast-absorbing powders to soak up sweat. I still love the original version but have the advance formula in rotation right now. I brought the mini with me to Key West last month.

Leave in Hair Masks ColorWow, K18, Living Proof

For the weekly mask/treatment there are three I’ve been testing and really like. You don’t need all three. Pick one based on your hair type and needs. I think these are a nice alternative to the rinse out conditioner or rinse out mask because these you can leave in the hair.

The ColorWOW Dream Coat Supernatural Anti-Frizz Treatment ($28) is my favorite because of the formula and spritz style applicator. You can spray and coat your hair evenly and it lasts several shampoos. It acts like a keratin treatment to smooth out the hair.

Another great option is the K18 Biomimetic Hairscience Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask ($75). This is a leave-in treatment you use on towel dried or damp hair. When I use this I don’t use a rinse out conditioner. A little goes a long way. Leave it in the hair for about 5 minutes to activate before styling. Really works to smooth out hair and restore moisture.

The latest in leave-in treatments is the Living Proof Triple Bond Complex Leave-in Hair Treatment ($45). This is the newest one I’ve tried and I really like this one too. With this formula a little goes a very long way, so I’d say less is more. This is another product you leave in the hair after shampoo/cleansing. Leave it in 10 minutes before blow drying or heat styling. It’s designed to be a hair strengthener that leaves it smooth and shiny.

Living Proof Triple Bond Complex Leave-in Hair Treatment

Living Proof Triple Bond Complex Leave-in Hair Treatment

Hair Care Loves from Sephora

You can find everything available at Sephora. If you’re not a Beauty Insider yet you can sign up for free here!

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Many thanks to Sephora for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.

Haircare

Two Ways To Use the ghd Platinum+ 1 Inch Styler

July 12, 2022

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is in full swing right now and one of my favorite hair styling tools is part of the sale for their Beauty Exclusives! I was recently able to test out the ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler and it’s my new holy grail styling tool for getting a smooth sleek look. It’s a versatile tool that you can also use to curl your hair. Available in Black and White on sale for $187 (33% off, normally $279).

I’m excited to share a closer look demo of how to use ghd Platinum+ Styler. After having tested so many brands of heat tools over the years I can say this one is my favorite for straightening!

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler

The ghd Platinum+ Styler is a 1-inch flat iron set at one temperature of 365 degrees fahrenheit. I’ve always used tools with multiple heat settings but learned that ghd has scientifically proven this is the optimum temperature for long lasting style that will also keep hair healthy with the least amount of damage. It will keep your color protected and hair healthy too. The temperature is at the right temperature for effective styling so you can style your hair sections in a single pass.

ghd calls this tool their “ultimate smart styler” because it has “ultra-zone technology.” Sensors are active across both plates and they monitor the heat 250x per second to ensure the temperature remains consistent depending on your hair thickness and the speed at which you use the styler.

I love that it heats up quickly (in 20 seconds), has an automatic shut off mode after 30 minutes and has a wishbone hinge which makes it easy to hold and use. The plates are gloss coated so they glide along the hair easily – no tugging or snagging.

Look 1: Sleek and Smooth

ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray

ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray

For a smooth, sleek and shiny hair look I first spritz on a heat protectant on dry hair. I tried the ghd Bodyguard Heat Protect Spray ($25) and really like it! It dispenses an ultra-fine mist and coats the hair evenly with a few spritzes. I like that it’s light enough in finish that it doesn’t weight the hair down at all.

Spritz and comb through, then straighten hair in small sections. Below is a look at the finished result! Most people think I have naturally smooth shiny hair but it’s not the case at all. I have thick unruly frizz prone hair. It takes a lot of work and product to keep it looking smooth. This straightener makes styling my hair so much easier.

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Smooth Sleek Hair

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Smooth Sleek Hair

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Smooth Sleek Hair

Look 2: Curls

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

You can also use the ghd Platinum+ Styler to curl the hair. I usually wear my hair straight whether it’s air dried, blow dried or straightened. I had quite a few mishaps with curling irons in the past which usually resulted me burning my forehead and fingers (even with gloves). A few tools I’ve tried have been so hot they fried my hair off. The ghd Platinum+ Styler has been perfect for someone like me. It has a rounded edge around the plates and they act like a buffer so there’s no contact with skin (no forehead burns, yay!). I can also hold the outside tip without getting burned. The hinge is easy enough to clamp and close around the hair that you don’t need to hold the end but sometimes it’s nice to – especially if you want to do a back and forth for an almost crimped-like beach wave.

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

To curl I section and clip hair up to curl in layers and sections. I hold the tool upside down and loop sections around the iron away from the face. Once looped just clamp and slowly drag the tool through the hair to the ends. An angled hold and faster speed will give me looser more natural looking curls.

Curls last all day with this tool, even in this Florida humidity although they do relax slightly as time goes on (which I actually like for a more lived-in look).

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

ghd Platinum+ 1” Styler Curled Hair

ghd Platinum+ Styler

I really love the ghd Platinum+ Styler! I plan on taking it with me on every trip from now on. You can find it on sale at Nordstrom for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale now through July 31st. Available in both black and white for $187. I highly recommend checking it out!

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Many thanks to ghd and Nordstrom for partnering to sponsor this post. As always all opinions are my own.

Beauty Favorites Haircare Skincare

Best Skin + Hair Care of 2021

December 31, 2021

Best Skincare + Hair Care of 2021

I’m wrapping up the year with a best of Skincare and Hair Care favorites roundup of 2021. This year has been a very sad one for us, if you follow me along on social you know we had to say goodbye to Lucy this past week. We are very grateful she made it through Christmas with us. She was a very happy dog and we feel so lucky to have had her in our life for 17 years. We have family in town for a couple of days to help distract us with their company. To all who lost a loved one this year, my heart goes out to you!

In my effort to end the year on a positive note, here is by Best of Skin Care and Hair Care for the year with my top picks in each category.

Best Skincare 2021

Face Cleansers

Makeup Removers / Micellar Cleansers

Toner/Essence/Serum

Moisturizer

Best Skincare Hair Care 2021

 

Scrub/Exfoliators/Treatments/Masks

Eye Treatment

Night Treatment

Body Care + Lip Care

Hair Shampoo + Conditioner + Mask

Hair Styling

Hope you are ending the year on a good note! I’m hopeful for a better year next year. I have a lot to be grateful for with so many good things even though there were a lot of tough moments this year. Sending you all lots of love!

 

Haircare

Smooth Shiny Hair with Kerastase

October 14, 2021

Kerastase Elixir Ultime review

A number of you have asked for more hair styling features and reviews and today I’m excited to share a look at the Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil Serum ($51 for 3.4 oz/100 ml) available at Sephora. It’s one of my favorite multi-tasking products to add hydration to my ends, reduce frizz and add shine without weighing down my hair.

The Elixir Ultime Oil Serum has a blend of different oils including marula oil (for softness and shine), camelia oil (to keep in moisture) and argan oil (to strengthen and protect). It’s suitable for all hair types and has a beautiful scent with a mix of floral and woody notes.

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Serum review

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Serum review

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Serum review

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Serum review

You can use this on damp hair before you blow dry as it doubles as a heat protectant and leave in conditioner. One pump is enough to coat my entire head evenly from roots to ends on damp hair.

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Serum review

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Serum review

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Serum review

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Serum review

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Serum at Sephora review

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Serum review

You can also use this as a finishing product worked into the ends to help with any dry areas or lightly throughout the hair to smooth frizz and add shine. I’ll sometimes pair it with one of their hair primers like the Discipline or Resistance Blow Dry Primer for added heat protection. Shine will last up to 48 hours. It also works to seal split ends. If you’re looking for a good hair oil, I highly recommend checking this one out!

You can also find the Elixir Ultime available in a Travel Size (1.7 oz/50 ml), Shampoo, Conditioner and Mask format. Do you have any Kerastase favorites? Let me know what your favorite line is!

Available at Sephora.

 

 

Sponsored by Kerastase.