Beauty

1 MONTH WITH MY NEW HAIR EXTENSIONS

I’m not gonna lie, I was nervous! Would they hurt, would it be too much of a change, would it take too long to style, would I regret it immediately?

Enter… overthinking!

But I have to say while the process that day took a while… I am so happy I did it! I barely even notice that I have them now, and other than a few normal hair styles that I have to avoid, there really isn’t much of a difference!

Now, because the financial investment is hefty, I would make sure that this is something that you want to keep long term! Which you can do! With NBR all you have to do is have the connection points moved up every 6 weeks or so. Because they grow with your hair, they have to be shifted back up closer to your roots so they don’t grow out too far. So if you’re good with that, I would say that it’s something that you would want to keep for as long as possible! Otherwise, if you want something a more short term maybe try clip ins and experiment with temporary extensions. I have tried Glam Seamless before and LOVED them, so I was familiar with what they would feel like along with the length.

I’m going to be honest, the volume can be overwhelming, especially in the beginning. Now, what my stylist told me was that after a few days the hair in the extensions actually changes so it takes on the texture much closer to actual hair. Now, it’s still a lot of volume, but it feels more like my real hair now so it doesn’t feel as “heavy” or dense. Now, for me it is too heavy to wear as a high pony or top knot. I’m sure if I tried those styles more I would be more comfortable with them, but I do kinda miss the ability to just throw my hair into a top knot to head to the gym. I’ve stuck with the low pony and occasionally even a braid to keep the hair out of my face, but that was an adjustment.

When it comes to styling, not much has changed for me! It does take longer to curl my hair but the style in which I do it is the exact same. I posted a video on how I curl my hair on my IGTV channel, so check that out! In fact, I said in the video that my curling iron wasn’t an XL barrel, but in fact it is! I’ve had it so long that I wasn’t sure but when I compared it to other ones on the market, whaddayaknow!? So that does help curling my hair since it’s so long. Now, my hair always held curl pretty well, but with extensions?? WOAH! This picture below was taken on a Wednesday and I had curled/styled it on the Monday prior. Thank goodness for dry shampoo am I right?

 


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People do say that with extensions they wash their hair like once a week. But for me that’s not the case. I’m not sure if I just have really oily hair or if it’s how much I work out, but I still have to wash it about every two days. Before, I HAD to wash it every other day unless I didn’t plan on seeing other humans :-/ you know those days. So if you work out a significant amount and want extensions in part because of the washing aspect, it might not be as infrequently as you think. But still, every two days? Not bad at all!

I think something that also helped a TON was that my stylist was a KILLER at extensions and matching the color. The first time my mom saw them in person, all of a sudden she starts to feel around my scalp saying “but where are they???”. So if you’re dying to get it done but don’t know who to go to, do your research!! Make sure that you look at other clients pictures and that they look natural and the coloring works, because if not you may end up with the really obvious extensions that noooooobody wants. Also, take a look at your daily routine, is it okay to have a slight adjustment to your style and care? If you constantly wear an updo, you might not want a really long set as you wouldn’t be able to do that. But honestly after about a week, not such a big deal for me!

I’m going to try and keep mine as long as possible and keep the flow going 🙂 If you have any specific questions, send them in the comments below!

Beauty

BOTANICS, THE PLANT-BASED ONE

I get a lot of questions about my skincare. So let’s dive in! 

 


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I have tried a lot of different products! Mostly because I have always taken skincare seriously. Even in high school and college, (when most people don’t think much about it) I was looking for good products and trying to take care of my skin as much as possible. And yes, I was even using anti-aging moisturizer in my early 20’s… and I’ll tell you why. 

I think that similar to sunscreen, people sometimes forget about it until after they get burned! So, why wait to use anti-aging or any other kind of skincare products until after you actually need it? Most of this stuff should be used proactively instead of reactively. Hence why I was using these bad boys right out of high school haha. 

But let’s start talking about all the options out there, because there are A LOT! 

 


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I have tried so many brands. Everything from the expensive brands at the department store, to other brands you find at Target. I was never wow-ed by anything that was “designer”. And I never wanted to spend that much money on something that I would need to turn around and purchase again in a few short months. But it’s easy to be drawn in by their promises, right? 

Younger-looking, pore-free, peels, they have the works! 

My particular skin needs were pretty simple, but have never changed. While I never suffered from acne, I would have a few surprises pop up every now and then. Mostly when I was stressed, or not eating well. So since acne wasn’t my main concern I would focus on other needs. I have a fairly oily t-zone and have always suffered from blackheads on and around my nose. So when it came to picking my products, those were always my main focuses. 

 

 


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So finding products that solve all of those problems can sometimes be a challenge! But what is the one thing that almost EVERYONE has in common this time of year? Dull skin. Yes, the Vitamin D has worn off from our vacations last year and outdoor activities and our skin is feeling a little lack-luster. 

Well I have never found a product that solves that problem more than the Botanics All-Bright skincare line. I am telling you, I started off with the day-time moisturizer that I bought on a whim because it sounded refreshing… a month later my medicine cabinet is now stuffed with the entire line as well as many other of their products. 

What’s my daily All-Bright routine? 

I first always, no matter what, start by taking off my makeup. And take it off really REALLY well. Sometimes I start by using the Botanics face wipes, then followed by their eye makeup remover, seen below! It gets the job done and prepares your skin for cleansing. 

 

 


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People sometimes forget this step and skip right to washing their face. STOP! The product that you are using is only doing a small percent of its job because it can’t reach your skin if you don’t remove your makeup first. It’s working so hard to cleanse the makeup from your face that it can’t get to your skin and work as hard as it should. 

But guess what, I don’t stop there! After using a wipe and/or the makeup remover, I will even use the Micellar Cleanser to remove EVEN MORE of my makeup. The first time I did this I figured I would just try it… and I was SHOCKED by how much makeup was still coming off. And now it’s not because I wear gobs and gobs of it. But because if you wear your makeup all day or for a long night out, it really gets into your pores! So I follow my makeup remover with the Micellar Cleaning step, seen below to get that stuff out even more. 

Now, I’m prepped and ready to clean! 

 

 


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The All Bright Foam Cleanser is one of my favorite! The way the gel foams up and bubbles to get every crevice of your face as you work it into your skin is so refreshing. I use this almost every morning and night, and sometimes alternate with the Radiant Youth Microdermabrasion Polish which will leave your skin feeling so smooth and ‘polish'(ed), for lack of a better term 🙂 

One skincare step that I didn’t learn about until just a few years ago is Toner. Which, I take very seriously because of my blackheads. Toner is a key step so cleaning out your pores, pressing the product into your skin and leaving it to do its job and rid your pores of that pesky dirt. And the All Bright Toner does not disappoint! Continuing to live up to its name and keeping your skin looking bright and lustrous. 

 

 


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So if you’ve never tried toner but feel like your skin and pores need that extra boost? Try it out! 

Last, but NEVER least, is the moisturizer. I cannot tell you how much I adore this All Bright Night Cream. The creamy nature leaves my skin feeling so hydrated, and so refreshed from the day’s activities. And I cannot tell you how luxurious it smells. There’s a floral/fruity hint to it which will leave you wanting more! I beg of you, try this night cream, as you won’t be able to get enough of it. 

The day creams are just as effective, and some have SPF in them as well. I will never buy a day cream that doesn’t have SPF in it as I find that to be one of the most important pieces to skincare. Even if my makeup foundation has SPF, which it usually does, I will always start my day off with a day cream that will protect my skin from the daily exposure to the sun. Don’t forget that the skin on your face is some of the most fragile and vulnerable! And unless you wear a ball cap all day every day, it is very difficult to protect it without a good layer of SPF. So please, do the same and protect your skin! 

 

 


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I know it might sound counterintuitive, but I use their facial oil a TON as well! I know… I have oily skin, why would I do that? The All Bright oil is so light that it will do anything but add oil to your skin. It leaves your skin, again, feeling so bright and fresh!! Botanics recently sent me their Organic Refreshing Facial Oil and while it is a little heavier, and probably wouldn’t use right before I apply makeup, it is the perfect product for this time of year. When it’s still slightly winter, almost spring, but your skin is still SO dehydrated at times and needs an extra little kiss of hydration. Shop both of these oils in the pics below. I would suggest the All Bright if you worry about having oily skin as you can use it any time of day, even before you apply your makeup. I usually even use a day cream after I apply that particular oil, while the Refreshing Facial Oil can stand by itself. No extra moisturizer needed. 

 

 


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Beauty

HAIR CURLING TUTORIAL

I have had so many requests for a video on how I do my hair, and I know, it took me forever. But it’s here! 

I usually chop my hair off every few years to keep it healthy, and this year I was happy to find that style to be on trend! And I have loved curling it too. It takes much less time than it did before. Could be the 12 inches less I have to work with. 

What I love most about this hair style is that once you have it down, it’s super easy and an awesome staple. Perfect for a coffee date during the week, a work dinner, date night, whatever! And even better? Sometimes it looks even better the next day 🙂 

In this post you are going to find video’s taking you through the styling process, beginning to end. Plus, links to all of my styling products as well as tips on how to keep your hair healthy in between stylings. 

So, shall we get started?  

First and foremost comes the dry shampoo. I know… it’s not just for your top knots when you don’t feel like washing your hair 😛 If I shampoo and blow dry my hair the same day that I am styling it, I still use dry shampoo to give it some volume. It also adds the texture that my hair needs to keep the curl and keep that “messy” look. Now, if your hair is already fairly textured, instead of the fine and thick strands that I have, then you may not need as much or any! But I have found that if I’m not working with next-day hair, my curl won’t hold as long without the dry shampoo. So… yeah, it’s a must. 

 


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Next is dividing your hair into sections, now if you’re looking for a really casual look? Maybe more loose curls, not a ton of volume then you may not need to do this. When I’m in a rush, or looking for that more casual look I tend to just curl the top layer of my hair. That also helps give a little more length with my shorter hair. Obviously the more hair that’s curled, the shorter it’s going to look. But by leaving the majority of the hair underneath the curl straight, it will keep the length. Plus, no one will know that you didn’t curl the hair underneath because the curls will hide it! Another adult trick to save time 🙂 

But if you’re not too concerned with length, and do want a bit more volume and messy texture, then I would suggest dividing your hair to be able to grab the sections underneath and curl those without hinderance from the top layers of your hair. 

I first do the sides, then comb back the back of my hair and clip that up as well. 

Let’s chat about the curling iron. Believe it or not, it actually does make a difference and they are not all made alike. Now, you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on one! The iron I use EVERY single time is $40! So I’m not saying the most expensive is best, but there is a certain style for a certain look. I have grown to love the iron I put in the shop above, but it is definitely tricky. I would say a 1″ curling iron is the way to go. What I love about my iron of choice is that it has a rubber free tip so that I can really pull that curl through for the lengthening effect that I’m looking for (don’t worry, I’ll get to that later). BUT the downside of that is that people sometimes get so in that habit of using that rubber tip that when they try using this curling iron, they burn their hands. Ouch!! 

 


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If you’re interested in at least trying it, I would! It may take a time or two to get the hang of it, but once you do you will whip right through it! I certainly do! I do use two hands since my iron isn’t spring loaded, but I find that it is so much easier to get the look of the curl that I want because of it! 

If you’re not into but need to get a new curling iron, find one that gets HOT! Mine gets up to 430 degrees which makes the whole curling process so much faster

Now… down to the curling.

Once your curling iron is all heated up, take a small section of hair and get your iron around it once about an inch away from your scalp. I tend to hold this for a second or two, then move the iron down to get two wraps, hold a second or two, and do that as many times as you need to do until you have about 2 inches left. As you’re removing your iron from the curl, pull on the last two inches of free hair slowly. It will give your curl some length instead of that curly-q look. If you want to work your finger through it to continue the lengthening, feel free! Just remember it will likely fall/lengthen throughout the night as you play with it and as it falls naturally

Last but certainly not least…. the styling!! 

 


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This is the most important part!! YOU MUST let the curls cool for a minute or two. Do not comb them out right away or they could fall and lose all their volume. You can use this time to finish your makeup, clean the bathroom counter, whatever! 

I use the Kenra Professional dry texturizing spray as I comb it out. First, it smells great. Secondly, while it goes on very lightly, it is very efficient and works great! Don’t forget to spray the ends too! You’ll want the ends to stay textured and separate to keep those curls looking messy 🙂 

And for my new favorite find (thanks to my stylist), the Osis+ matte powder. This does WONDERS if you lose volume at the top of your head. I will walk out of the door feeling great about my hair, then by the time I get to wherever I’m going, I’ll be doing that scrunching thing to keep the volume at the top. Scrunch no more! Put a VERY LIGHT amount of powder at the root of your hair about 1-2 inches from your part (see video), and use your fingers to push the hair up and create the volume. You can even use a teasing brush to create SUPER volume if you want! But this powder is super duper uber efficient so do NOT use too much or you won’t be able to work your fingers through your hair! 

Check out all the pictures above for links to these styling products and more! 

 

I hope you guys enjoyed the tutorial and I really hope that it was everything you were wishing for! If you have any questions or comments, let me know below!! If you loved it? Let me know! If you hated it? DEFINITELY let me know 🙂 

Happy styling loves <3