To this day, I am still beauty-product crazed. I spend way too much money in drugstores. They really are my store of choice! I could peruse makeup and skin products all day long. What's more fun than a little beauty experimentation?
Here are some ways that I've experimented recently.
Skipping Conditioner
Several months back, I got tired of my curls falling out by lunchtime. I was using a great curling iron -- the Hot Tools 1.5" -- and my naturally-curly hair typically has enough texture to hold a curl. What was up?! I decided to forego conditioner and see what happened. I've been pleased so far with the volume that I've gotten back, especially at the roots. Sometimes I'll use conditioner on the weekend just to keep it strong and moisturized. I also like going to sleep with Moroccan Oil in my braided hair, and then I just wash it out the next morning with my shampoo-only routine.
Bio Oil
I've been using Bio Oil since the end of last April, and I really don't see myself stopping using it anytime soon. Miracle product here. It runs about $10 for the 2 oz. bottle (the one I bought) and $17 for the 4 oz. bottle (the one I'll buy next). I only use it at night and I put it directly on my skin right after cleansing. I love the way it smells and makes my face feel! The links I provided above are for drugstore.com, a favorite of mine. Remember that if you are a member of Ebates, you get 12% back when shopping there.
Gel Mani
I first experienced the shellac mani before our wedding. I loved, loved, loved it. Being in the Dominican Republic for our honeymoon and having gorgeous nails even after all of that time in the pool was awesome. What I didn't love was the weak nails I had afterwards, so I went back to traditional polish. But with a Monday-Thursday out of town trip this week, I wanted nice polished nails all week long without having to worry about touch-ups. On Sunday I picked up the Nutra Nail Gel Perfect kit in Flame (a true red) and I'm giving it a shot now. I'll post next week with my review of it.
Aquaphor
I have always loved Aquaphor and then when I read recently on Designer Bags And Dirty Diapers that Natalie read an article where a plastic surgeon recommended slathering this on at night as a facial moisturizer, I immediately gave it a try. I didn't experience any breakouts, and I can verify that it does make for an intensely good moisturizer. I put it on right over the Bio-Oil and seal all of that goodness right in. It's also amazing for cuticles.
Have you tried any of the above products?
PS: Sweet Laura from Our Life In The Queen City is having an awesome giveaway for a May Book ... make sure to pay her a visit!
I put Aquaphor on my nose every night to keep away dry skin... works like a charm! :)
ReplyDeleteMy hair is naturally curly too, but if I straighten it and then use a curling iron (as I often do in the winter) it never lasts long. I can't not use conditioner, though. My hair get's SO dry if I forget it even once. Sometimes when I curl it I'll go without any product, and other times I'll use tresseme hair spray (which doesn't really make a difference. In fact, I think it falls out quicker when I use hairspray). I'd love to find a product that will give it a good hold without feeling stiff, sticky, or greasy.
ReplyDeleteLauren
http://laurensweetnothings.blogspot.com/
I was using Aquaphor on my face and mouth after I had jaw surgery. It really helped the dry skin (Think the worst chapped lips ever) I have been wathing to try Bio Oil, so I will definitely try the combination you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteLooks like I will be making a trip to Walgreens this evening for bio oil and aquaphor. I've heard great things about them in the past but I've always stuck with CeraVe because of my sensitive and sometimes acne prone skin.
ReplyDeleteyoure the best! thanks so much for the shoutout!
ReplyDeletei can't wait to see your review on at-home gel mani! as soon as you posted it on instagram i started wondering how well it would hold up!
xoxo
LOVE Aquaphor!!!
ReplyDeleteI slather my hands in Aquaphor and wear gloves to sleep. Strange? Absolutely. But the results are incredible and help my too-frequently washed winter hands!
ReplyDeleteI experience the same thing with my curls! However I feel like my hair gets so dried out! Would love to hear more about your hair routine!
ReplyDeleteI love BioOil. I'm pregnant and use it on my belly too! I pick mine up at Ulta and use their coupons to significantly bring down the price! Thanks for the great product reviews.
ReplyDeleteI was an Aquaphor addict for years! I had severely dry hands in the winter, and I would slather it on my hands and then cover then them in latex gloves. I'd sleep like that. Super uncomfortable, but so effective. Great stuff!
ReplyDelete-Suzanne
http://sweetteainthesunshinestate.blogspot.com
Ill have to check out the bio-oil. Do you know if its okay for sensitive skin??
ReplyDeleteI love drugstore.com
The hubs just bought me a gel manicure kit--uv light and all and it works great. My nails are strong and this help sme keep them long by always having them painted.
Need to check out bio-oil. I have some serious dry winter skin and could use some help.
ReplyDeleteI'm def going to try bio-oil too! Can't wait to hear about your manicure experience! Keep us posted and keep these posts coming! Such great info!!! xx.
ReplyDeleteFun post! I'm slightly obsessed with beauty products - keep em comin!! :) I've used Aquaphor for about a year now after a trip to the dermatologist and I've noticed such a difference. I also love gel mani's but only get them when I'm going on a trip or know I can't get back in the salon for a while - for the same reasons as you. I've been wondering if Bio Oil was worth the cost, so now I must order! I have really fine hair so I am intrigued about skipping conditioner. Thanks for sharing all of these! :)
ReplyDeleteI've used the bio oil off and on for about a year now. It does seem to work wonders, even more so for the price! Right now my skin has been iffy and temperamental so I'm trying some other combinations. Love aquaphor!!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely going to try out the Aquaphor! I think I've bought a little thing of it before as a lotion for my bag. I'm not a fan of scented lotions so this is perfect for me!
ReplyDeleteI did a salon deep conditioning treatment a few months ago and it really changed the texture of my hair. I'm hoping that it will continue to hold curl better and better, but there is something about overly moisturizing naturally curly hair that changes things.
ReplyDeleteLove Bio Oil and Moroccan Oil... I also love anything with Argan Oil from Josie Maran. My latest "oil" is Seaberry Oil from Fresh. It is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI love the aquaphor. I actually use it on my feet, especially in the summer. It keeps the pedicure looking fresh!
ReplyDeleteI'm debating on getting the nail gels. I think I will try them out now! Great post. Love beauty products.
ReplyDeleteI love Bio-Oil and Aveda products - such wonderful brands!
ReplyDelete