Scientific Serum: Oscar Blandi Hair Lift

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The quest for thick, voluminous hair is one of women’s ‘mane’ concerns. Look no further than Oscar Blandi Hair Lift. This weightless styling aid has a whipped, gel-like consistency that binds to the hair, providing fullness and body.

It can be overwhelming, thanks in part to the many root-lifters, thickening shampoos, circulation-boosting exfoliators, and scalp elixirs on the market, each promising to create thicker, fuller hair.

Hair Lift is clinically proven to:

• Thicken hair up to 47%
• Strengthen hair instantly
• Improve elasticity & body

In a series of rigorous clinical trials, hair measured thicker, fuller and stronger by up to 47%. The key to such unprecedented results is a breakthrough moisturizing system that infuses sodium hyaluronate derivatives into each strand. Hair is scientifically proven to look, feel and stay full.

Other key ingredients:

• Rice Starch Powder absorbs excess oils in the hair to naturally plump the hair shaft.
• Brown & red algae marine complex coats hair in a sheer film which revitalizes limp, lifeless hair.
• Heat activated copolymers protect hair from the drying and damaging effects of heat styling.

My Experience: Oscar Blandi Hair Lift absolutely creates fuller, thicker hair. The heat-activated serum plumped every strand of hair providing more volume and fullness. However, in my experience, hair was left quite frizzy. Easy fix: The next application I applied a bit of hair oil after applying Hair Lift and frizz was gone. I – 100% – see and feel a difference in my hair. For example: when wearing hair in a ponytail – after Hair Lift – the elastic used to tie the ponytail is wrapped around 2-times less. For me and my hair type this is a big breakthrough.

Try for yourself and experiment with amount needed and what makes this product work for you. There is a personal science to each and every individual hair type – no matter how scientifically-proven the product might be.

Extend the Summer: Monoi de Tahiti

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Extend your summer and capture the scent of the French Polynesian Islands with Monoi de Tahiti. ‘Monoi’ is an ancient Tahitian word that means  “scented oil”. The gorgeous fragrance comes from the Tahiti’s national flower, Tiaré, also known as the Tahitian Gardenia. When the tiaré flower is infused in traditional Tahitian coconut oil you get the decadent scent and skin savor, Monoi de Tahiti.

The tiaré flowers that are used in Monoi de Tahiti are hand-picked at a very particular stage of their growth, specifically when they are still unopened. The flower portion is placed in refined coconut oil for a minimum of 15 days. This is known as “enfleurage” (flower soaking), a French term used to designate a specific extraction step. According to specific maceration standards set by the decree of Appellation d’Origine, which each manufacturer must scrupulously follow, a minimum of 15 tiaré flowers must be used in every liter of refined coconut oil.

Beyond their contribution to Monoi de Tahiti, tiaré flowers are deeply rooted in everyday Polynesian life. In traditional medicine, the flower is prepared in a variety of concoctions to alleviate headaches, sunburn and even the common cold. It is also known for the benefits to the skin, body and hair, because it does not contain any emulsifiers. The oil moisturizes, protects and conditions skin while combining the beautiful scent of Tahitian gardenia flowers and coconut oil.

Used in many beauty products, the fragrant scent of Monoi perpetually remind me of summer. During the colder months of the year, bring a little sunshine into your life with Monoi.

The Body Shop ~ Spa Wisdom Polynesia Monoi Miracle Oil: $20.00

NARS ~ Monoi Body Glow II: $59.00

Carol’s Daughter ~ Monoi Repairing Hair Mask: $29.00 (FULL REVIEW: HERE)

Monoi Tiki Tahiti ~ Tahitian Coconut Oil: $6.75

C. Booth ~ Tahitian Monoi Dry Oil Spray: $6.99

The Beauty Berry: Sea Buckthorn

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Known as the “beauty berry” across Europe and Asia, sea buckthorn contains over 190 bioactive compounds that restore, revitalize, and protect youthful beauty – inside and out. Available in skincare products, haircare products and healthcare products this bountiful berry has been used topically and internally for centuries.

Topically, these hardy berries help nourish skin, hair, and nails with powerful antioxidants and essential fatty acids, including the rare Omega 7. Sea buckthorn contains the highest Omega-7 content in the industry. Today scientists are touting Omega 7 primarily for it’s anti-aging benefits. It helps control free radicals, is vital for healthy collagen production and contains dozens of skin-nourishing phyto-nutrients including full spectrum Vitamin E, well known for healing and repairing skin tissue.

Internally, sea buckthorn can protect against heart disease, cancer, natural aging symptoms, liver damage, sun damage, memory loss, ulcers, menopause symptoms and more. Over 120 specific studies on sea buckthorn have shown that this little berry promotes health and vitality. Even Dr.Oz featured the sea buckthorn berry on his show as a vehicle for healthy weight loss and maintenance. From sea buckthorn’s rare abundance of some of the most powerful antioxidants to being the only plant in the world known to contain essential fatty acids 3, 6, 7 and 9 – sea buckthorn has earned it’s title as a “superfruit”.

Traditional health-related uses for the sea buckthorn berry include:

• Sustained energy levels
• Improved cellular health
• Cardiovascular support
• Healthy inflammation response
• Joint support
• Moisturizing dry and damaged skin and hair
• Improved immune health
• Decrease in wrinkles and fine lines
• Addressing exzema and rosacea symptoms

Fact: It takes approximately 10 pounds of sea buckthorn berries to product 1 pound of oil.

Here are four wonderful companies that incorporate sea buckthorn into their products:

Sibu Beauty has developed an entire system of premium health and beauty products made from wild, hand-harvested, fair-trade sea buckthorn. Products include luxurious cleansers, moisturizes, and other topical treatments as well as dietary supplements that beautify and protect from the inside-out. Each product is packed with the maximum levels of Omega 7 and the 190 other bio-active nutrients from the sea buckthorn berry to revitalize, renew, and replenish the body.

Shown: Sibu Repair & Protect All Natural Facial Cream and Sibu Sea Buckthorn Cellular Support

Weleda, named after the Celtic god of wisdom and healing, develops it’s products based on a passion for beauty, wellness and environmental respect. Weleda uses sea buckthorn in products targeted at dry, dehydrated skin. The essential fatty acids replenish vital moisture, while pro-vitamin A and vitamin E soften and protect the skin. Weleda adds sea buckthorn to it’s products to provide thirsty skin with nutrient-rich moisture and added antioxidants and vitamins.

Shown: Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Oil

Naked Organix offers concentrated, plant-based formulas to protect, repair and moisturize the face and body. Featuring some of the most effective botanical ingredients on the market, their skincare line is hand-crafted in small batches and contain only the finest quality organic, wild-crafted ingredients. Naked Organix uses sea buckthorn for it’s renowned ability to protect and revitalize dehydrated skin and help any skin type appear more youthful and radiant.

Shown: Naked Organix Sea Buckthorn Cleansing Bar and Naked Organix Sea Buckthorn Body Butter

Amika dedicates an entire line of haircare products to sea buckthorn (also known as Obliphica). The range provide deep conditioning and manageability utilizing pure obliphica oil or sea buckthorn oil. The concentrated formula feeds hair, restoring natural moisture and balance and imparting vitality and health to the follicle. The natural oil won’t weigh the hair down so dull hair becomes enriched and replenished with the it’s natural moisture.

Shown: Amika Obliphica Oil Treatment

Drink More Water!

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Drinking water is essential to health, beauty and longevity. The simple act of drinking water is extremely important in helping our bodies stay functioning at their optimum capacity.

The average body is made up of 55 to 65 percent water. The brain consists of almost 70 percent water. Water is essential for hydrating your organs, digestion, circulation, maintenance of body temperature, lubricating your joints and carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout your bloodstream. Just to name a few…

Water assists in the flushing or removal of harmful toxins from the body. Toxins come from a variety of sources and must be flushed out of the body to avoid hurtful build-up. Drinking plenty of water helps to cleanse the body systems of these toxins. Overall, your body will look and feel better.

Skin is an organ, and just like any other part of the body your skin is made up of cells. And skin cells, like any other cell in the body, are made up of water. Without water, the organs will certainly not function properly or at their best. Think of a plant that you may have forgotten to water once, the way it wilted and shriveled. By staying properly hydrated you allow your body enough extra moisture to produce healthy skin cells. Your skin will thank you for the extra moisture by looking and feeling healthier, firmer and brighter.

When you’re low on fluids, the brain triggers the body’s thirst mechanism. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water. For those who struggle with drinking plain water there are alternative options. Herbal, black and green teas can make the experience more pleasurable, plus you boost your antioxidant intakes. There are a wide variety of water flavorings, just make sure you get a low-sugar option. You can also add a spritz of lemon, lime, or other fruit to your water for some extra flavor.

My #1 tip for how to drink more water is the Camelbak Groove. Filters as you sip, so you can hydrate on-the-go. I swear by this thing and I am not even sure why. 32oz of water disappears in seconds.

Healthy Skin from Within: Nordic Naturals Complete Omega – 3.6.9

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There are a million reasons to take an omega-3 supplement everyday. One of the many is that EFAs or essential fatty acids control a large number of cellular processes in the body that directly relate to the health of your skin, hair and nails. Before I get to that, let’s look at the numerous benefits of fish oil.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are considered “essential fats” because they are required for optimal health but cannot be produced by the body. EFAs can be found in fish, flaxseeds, walnuts and canola. Fish oil supplies the most beneficial omega-3s, which are: EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Eating actual fish (mostly oily, cold water fish like salmon, tuna, herring and sardines) is the best food source of EPA and DHA, but due to concerns about toxins such as mercury, a fish oil supplement is the safest source.

OMEGA-3:  EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)

*Healthy heart and body*

• Maintains a healthy heart and circulatory system
• Enhances joint flexibility and movement
• Promotes healthy immune function
• Supports optimal metabolism and body composition
• Promotes balanced blood sugar levels
• Supports the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response

OMEGA-3:  DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)

*Healthy mood, mind and memory*

• Supports learning and memory
• Promotes positive mood and well-being
• Supports and protects the brain, eyes, nervous and immune systems
• Essential for the proper development of infants and children
• Recommended by physicians for pregnant and lactating women

OMEGA-6:  GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid)

*Healthy skin, hair and hormones*

• Nourishes hair and skin
• Supports healthy joints
• Enhances Hormonal Balance
• Maintains optimal body fat metabolism
• Supports positive mood
• Supports a regular menstrual cycle

OMEGA-9:  OA (Oleic Acid)

*Healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels*

• Naturally occurs in fish oil
• A “good for you: omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid
• Supports healthy blood vessel function
• Promotes healthy cell membrane structure

Healthy Skin from Within:

Our skin cells need plenty of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Without these, our skin can become dry, dull, prone to premature aging and even inflamed. There are two key essential fatty acids that your skin and hair will love. Since your body doesn’t manufacture them, they must be sourced through food and/or supplements.

Omega-3s in fish oil have been shown to:

• Keep the skin hydrated thus helping to prevent dry skin and other skin conditions
• Help soothe scaly, rough skin by reducing unnecessary inflammation
• Improve blood flow and support the elasticity of red blood cells thereby providing more oxygen to nourish the skin
• Encourage the production of strong collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis making skin look younger by reducing wrinkling and sagging

GLA is an Omega-6 fatty acid that occurs naturally in evening primrose and borage oils and has shown to:

• Relieve dry skin
• Reduce hair loss
• Provide relief for eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis

Your skin is the largest organ in the body and allows approximately 60% of “what goes on it, to go inside it”. Anything that increases the body’s ability to maintain integrity in our highly polluted world is a plus for your beauty routine.

Nordic Naturals is the leading manufacturer of fish oil in the United States. They are committed to delivering the world’s safest, most effective omega oils. The Complete Omega – 3.6.9 is an omega-rich blend that contains all the needed ingredients to support heart health, brain function, positive mood, healthy joints, as well as healthy hair, skin and nails. It has a fresh lemon taste that ensures no fishy smell, taste or aftertaste and all research is based on third-party test results – resulting in an honest and pure product. You will not find a better fish oil than Nordic Naturals.

How To: The Bend

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Perfectly – un-perfect hair is the only way to describe The Bend. Messy… “this is what I look like when I wake up” hair, that appears effortless, but takes a little work.

This look can be done simply with a flat iron, however, flat iron waves are tricky to master and never look uniform. The following technique is easy and controllable.

NEEDED:

‣ Styling Cream

‣ Heat Protectant

‣ 1 – 1.5 inch Curling Iron

‣ Flat Iron

‣ Texturizing Spray or Hair Spray

HOW TO:

‣ On second day hair, apply a styling cream to add some grip to the hair. TRY: Rusk Being Sexy Cream

‣ Next apply some sort of heat protectant to the hair; spray/oil/cream. TRY: Rusk Being Sexy Argan Oil

‣ With the curling iron, begin curling 3 inches down from the roots. Haphazardly curl entire head rotating the iron inward than outward. Don’t worry too much about shape of the curl – it will be fixed in a moment.

‣ Once hair is curled and cooled, take flat iron and straighten the ends of the all curls – at least 2 inches from bottom.

‣ If happy with the results, no need to go any further. If, however, some of the curls are “too curly/prom curls” – run the flat iron gently over them. This will remove the curly-ness and result in The Bend.

‣ Finish off the hair with a texturizing spray or hair spray. TRY: Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray.

OPTION:

The model in the picture is wearing extensions. This look is easier to achieve with some length. If you want to add some extensions, try these: SKR Hair. In a set of SKR Extensions you will receive ten wefts. One of the wefts in the set is an ingenious Quad Weft (4 strips of hair sewn-on to one strip). This piece can be worn with the other wefts or on it’s own. It is extremely comfortable and instantly adds length, volume and body.

Festival Beauty Essentials

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Be prepared for hot and sticky situations with Glow-T’s Festival Beauty Essentials:

Tory Burch Double Zip Train Case: A great travel case with cool ikat design.

Supergoop! Sunscreen Swipes SPF 30 (21 count): These sunscreen wipes are individually packed, perfect for throwing in your bag. The pre-moistened towelettes are formulated to calm and soothe the skin while providing complete UV protection. Great for sensitive skin, these wipes can be used all over the body.

Coola SPF 30 Unscented Matte Finish Tint: This lightly tinted moisturizer delivers broad spectrum SPF 30 protection. Infused with antioxidants, shea butter, plankton, borage seed oil and evening primrose extract, this lotion will rejuvinate, hydrate and protect. The water-resistant formula and matte finish is great for long days in the sun.

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25: My favorite lip balm to date, this product is incrediably soothing and moisturizing – provides SPF 25 and lasts. Enriched with superior skin conditioners and antioxidants, this emollient balm relieves dry, chapped and irritated lips.

Donna Karen Cashmere Mist Deodorant: Keep dry and odor-free with Donna Karen’s Cashmere Mist Deodorant. Delicately scented with perfume, this advanced formula controls wetness and perspiration.

CleanWell All Natural Hand Sanitizing Spray: Thousands of people and porta-potties… hand sanitizer is a must. This all-natural formula is made with thyme oil that kills all germs and the portable spray makes it easy to carry everywhere.

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo (Travel Size): Extend time between washes with a dry shampoo. This gentle formula smells nice and absorbs oil and dirt – an instant refresher. Infused with oat milk, it also nourishes the hair while creating volume and texture.

Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes: Remove makeup, dirt and oil quickly with these all-natural wipes. Formulated with aloe vera, cucumber, chamomile and vitamin E, the easy-access wipes cleanse and refresh the face and body. Bonus: When purchased, these biodegradable wipes support to protect the endangered Polar Bear.

RMS Cream Eyeshadow – Solar: Perfect for the desert princess, this cream eyeshadow reflects a sheer wash of gold. A great all-in-one eye product, it doubles as an eye cream to nourish and moisturize the eye area.

NARS Cream Blush – Cactus Flower: The name alone implies desert beauty. This bright coral/spicy pink cream blush can be used on both the cheeks and lips. A very subtle gold shimmer leaves the skin flushed, dewy and healthy.

Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Waterproof Mascara: Waterproof mascara is a must-have. I assure you Givenchy’s will not budge or smudge. The spiked-ball wand takes a little to get used to but defines, separates and lengthens exquisitely. Tip: With your finger, smudge on the lashline for an instant liner effect that will last.

Laura Geller Balance-n-Bronze: A genius design, adding bronzer and foundation, all-in-one. The color-correcting foundation is sheer but never looks powdery. The baked bronzer is infused with layers of color to achieve the perfect sun-kissed shade. Swipe separately or swirl together to get a glowing, sun-goddess look.

Dabbling in Depilatories: Veet In-Shower Hair Removal Cream

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VEET In-Shower Hair Removal Cream

Depilatory creams are topical solutions designed to remove unwanted hair from practically any area of the body. The #1 disadvantage of using these types of creams is the fragrant smell of rotten eggs. The odor is caused from the chemical ingredients in the creams. Most depilatories contain sulfur and  thioglycoate, when oxygen is added, the chemical reaction releases an unpleasant scent. When shopping for depilatory products, marketing gurus promote their products as: “unscented,” “smells like roses,” “lemon-scented.” LIES! I have tried many different brands and have yet to find one that does not leave a trace of odor. Yes, they have done a great job to cover-up the scent, but it is still invariably apparent.

Advantages to using depilatory creams are… they work. A lotion that reveals smooth, hairless legs for days is the lazy-girl’s best (and cheaper) alternative to shaving.

My current favorite depilatory cream is Veet Suprem’Essence In-Shower Hair Removal Cream. The water-resistent formula lets you step into the shower while it works it’s magic and 3-5 minutes later, simply wash off. Veet products contain essential oils from plants and flowers to leave skin soft and mask the unpleasant odor. The scent is still evident but endurable. Also, using a depilatory in a warm shower will make results last longer. Hairs will be softer and more readily removed. Results can last three to five days depending on your hair-growth rate.

I use these creams in the colder months of the year for a couple reasons. After shaving, the “day-after stubble” seems to pop-up quicker when cold and during the warmer months, self-tanning products react strangely with these creams.

In conclusion, depilatories/hair removal creams have come a long way. If you want smooth skin for 3-5 days and can suffer the smell – dabble in depilatories.