My Favorite Hairsprays

My Favorite Hairsprays

One of my hair stylist's and a close family friend once told me that hairspray to your hair style is equal to mascara to your makeup. Basically, it is the finishing touch to getting your look to be just right. That's some pretty important stuff!

Equally as important as the hairspray itself, is the brand and type of product that you are using. Again, like mascara, if you don't pick a brand or type of hairspray that you need for the style you are going for, it can majorly impact your look and its longevity.

 

There are a ton of different brands and types of hairspray on the market from affordable drugstore hairsprays to high-end more pricy hairsprays. Both drugstore and high-end stores have great options for everyone. Picking your perfect hairspray (or hairsprays) is all about figuring out actually what you need to use the hairspray for. Do you want it to hold your up-do in place all day and all night? Do you want it to just finish off the loose waves you created?

I have three great hairsprays and one dry shampoo that are my ride or dies when it comes to finishing off my hair. There products range from drugstore to high-end and I use each of them for a different reason. These hairsprays are in no particular order.

The first hairspray I love is Sexy Hair's Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play Volumizing Hairspray. Even though the bottle says "spray and play" on it, I think that this is a stronger holding hairspray. I love to use this type of hairspray when I want to keep my hair style in place all day. You want to be careful with how much product you spray on your hair because this formula can tend to build up quickly which in turn can make your hair seem a little crunchy if you spray too much. However, if you are doing an up-do or don't want your hair to move around a lot throughout the day, this would be a great choice!

Price: $17.95
Where you can find it: Ulta
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/a/_/Ntt-Big%20Sexy%20Hair%20Spray%20%26%20Play%20Volumizing%20Hairspray?ciSelector=searchResults

The second hairspray that I adore is Sexy Hair's Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Touchable Weightless Hairspray. This hairspray does exactly what it describes on the bottle: touchable and weightless. This is a great product for when you want to keep your hair style in place, but want to be able to run your fingers through your hair and not feel like there is a ton of product built up in it. This product is great for loose waves or a more relaxed hair style. Also, the Healthy Sexy Hairspray is made with Argan Oil which keep your hair moisturized and shiny.

Price: $17.95
Where you can find it: Ulta
http://www.ulta.com/healthy-hair-soy-touchable-weightless-hairspray?productId=xlsImpprod4270103

The third hairspray that I'm obsessed with is the L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray in Strong Hold. I like to say that this hairspray is a mix between the first two hairsprays that I've mentioned. Since it's a "strong hold" hairspray, it can hold your hair style for a long time. Yet at the same time, it is touchable and brushable! You can keep your hair looking great while you have the freedom to run your fingers through your hair without having to worry about getting them stuck or sticky. Plus, you can get this great find at your local drugstore!

Price: $13.76
Where you can find it: Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Target
http://www.walmart.com/ip/L-Oreal-Elnett-Strong-Hold-Hairspray-11-oz/13060319

Last but not least, my favorite dry shampoo is the Batiste Dry Shampoo in Dark and Deep Brown. You may be asking yourself why I'm mentioning a dry shampoo in my top hairsprays and I'll tell you why. I love using a dry shampoo as a finishing spray on freshly washed hair. This dry shampoo helps to create volume and texture to my hair while lighting hold my soft waves. In particular, if you spray this product in your roots after you wash and style your hair, it will create body while keep the oils at bay before they even have a chance to start. Instead of waiting for your roots to get greasy, you can spray this on "first day hair" and it will help to prevent the build up of oil which in turn prolongs your hair style for an extra day or two. Plus, it is a dark color for my beauty lovers out there that have deeper locks! (Note: This is also available in different colors and scents.)

Price: $8.99
Where you can find it: Ulta, Walgreens
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/a/_/Ntt-Batiste%20Dry%20Shampoo?ciSelector=searchResults

Note: All of these hairsprays and dry shampoos have a scent to them, and everyone has different preferences to what they can tolerate. I don't think that any of these products have too strong or terrible of a smell personally.

All photos were take by Becky Schutten.

Stranded Island Essentials

What Five Items Would You Take?

If you were stranded on a remote island and could only take five makeup products with you, what would you take? I am going to tell you the five products that I would choose as far as makeup products. This is not including skincare or tools to apply the makeup products that are chosen. This is just the five holy grail products that I would bring with me to create a basic but beautiful look.

MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer
Price: $21.00
Where you can buy this: MAC Cosmetics, Macy's, Nordstrom

I would chose the MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer because you can use this product as a foundation and a concealer if you want to. The Pro Longwear Concealer comes in a small glass bottle so it is super easy to carry around if you need to. This concealer can be worn with heavy coverage if it is applied with a sponge or a brush and it can be worn with more sheer coverage if it is applied with the fingers or mixed with a moisturizer. The Pro Longwear Concealer has amazing staying power and does not have to be set with a powder.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer
Price: $23.00
Where you can buy this: Sephora, Ulta, Macy's, Nordstrom

 

The second item that I would chose to bring with me is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer. This is one of my holy grail products, and is by far one of my favorite brow products of all time (besides the Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel!) I love the Brow Definer because it has a spoolie on one end so that you can maintain and groom your brows and the other end has an angled brow pencil that you can create flawless brows with. The actual brow products has a beautiful range of colors for every hair color and tone, and the longevity of the product is amazing. Your brows aren't going anywhere with this brow pencil! Plus, if you are in a pinch, you can also use this as an eyeliner for along the lash line to create a smoky eye.

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara
Price: $8.29
Where you can buy this: Ulta, drugstores, etc.

 

The third product that I would pick would have to be the L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara. This is my ride or die mascara. I have not found another mascara (drugstore nor high end) that compares to the length and volume that the L'Oreal Voluminous provides. If you love the look of false lashes but do not know how to apply them or just plain hate to wear them, then this the mascara for you. It gives you the illusion of much thicker and fuller lashes. Not to mention that the carbon black color is as black as they come. I have been using the L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara for many years now and I have never had a problem with it running or smudging no matter what the weather was or what activities I was participating in that day. Plus, it is not a waterproof mascara so it is easy to remove without ripping out your real lashes.

Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Duo
Price: $39.00
Where you can buy this: Sephora, Make Up For Ever stores

 

 

The next product that I would chose would be the Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Duo. This is a highlight and contour duo. Half of the product is a highlighter and the other half of the product is a contour/bronzer and the two halves are made into a petite black compact. The Pro Sculpting Duo comes in two colors: one is a more golden tone and the other is a more pink tone. I personally have the pinker toned set because I think that this color in particular is best on a wider range of skin tones. I think the highlight looks nice on my skin when I am on the fair side and when I am self tanning and have a bit of color. This product is great because it is a compact two in one product that is easy to carry around and is great for multi-purpose situations. You can not only use this duo as a highlight and contour kit, but you can also use them as eye shadows. I have used them as eye shadows many times and I have been complimented on how beautiful it looks, so its a win win!

MAC Cosmetics Boldly Bare Lip Pencil
Price: $16.50
Where you can buy this: MAC Cosmetics, Macy's, Nordstrom

 

 

The last product that I would chose would be the MAC Cosmetics Boldly Bare Lip Pencil. MAC's lip pencils have to be some of my favorite lip pencil formulas on the market. They are an amazing formula that lasts and is not uncomfortable to wear at all. Not to mention that MAC has a ton of colors in their lip pencil line! In particular, I love the color Boldly Bare. Boldly Bare is a neutral pinky-brown color. It is almost like your lip color but better. I like to line my lips with the pencil then fill the rest of it in to create a great long lasting base for my lipstick, or even rock it by itself since the color is amazing on its own. This is a must-have color in any makeup lover's collection!

All Photos By Becky Schutten

Drugstore vs High-End: Real Techniques Complexion Sponge and the Beauty Blender

Drugstore vs High-End: Real Techniques Complexion Sponge and the Beauty Blender

Many people love using a sponge to apply their makeup, and I am one of them! Sponges are a great tool to use for a natural finish. In particular, using a sponge is a great way to make your makeup look less powdery. There are many different types of sponges on the market, but two of the more popular sponges are the Real Techniques Complexion Sponge and the Beauty Blender. These sponges are similar, but they do have their differences. Which is worth buying? The drugstore version? Or the high-end version?

Real Techniques Complexion Sponge
Price: $6.00
You can buy this at: Ulta, Kohl's, Walgreens, and realtechniques.com
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5960824

The Real Techniques Complexion Sponge is an orange sponge that has a rounded point at one end and a flat edge side on the other end. The sponge can be used wet or dry, but I would recommend using it wet because it gives you a more flawless coverage and appearance. The pointed side of the sponge is great for getting in the creases and edges around the face, as well as blending concealer under the eyes. I like to use the flat egde of the sponge to to apply my foundation and to blend in my contour, blush, and highlighter. When you wet the sponge, it becomes larger and softer which makes it easier to work with and manipulate it to the contours of your face. Also, you can use it dry to apply powder under your eyes to set your concealer or to bake your contour. This is a great sponge and is only around $6 depending on where you buy it.

The Beauty Blender
Price: $20.00
You can buy this at: Sephora, Macy's, and beautyblender.com
http://www.sephora.com/beautyblender-P228913?skuId=1151869&om_mmc=ppc-MSN&mkwid=jmvNOGUB&pcrid=11604382683&pdv=c&site=us_search&country_switch=us&lang=en

Note: Even though this the Beauty Blender is clean, it is permanently stained from foundation.

The Beauty Blender is a hot pink sponge that is completely round on one side and comes to a rounded point on the other end. You can use the Beauty Blender wet or dry, but like the Real Techiques Complexion Sponge I prefer to use it wet because of the finish it gives. I like to use the pointed end of the sponge for concealer under my eyes, as well as covering any blemishes or problem areas. Also, I like to use the rounded end to apply my foundation and to set my makeup with powder. The Beauty Blender comes in many different colors and sizes such as smaller ones that were made to apply concealer and blend makeup in the smaller contours of the face. The Beauty Blender is a great sponge to apply your makeup for a flawless look.

I have used both of these sponges many times and if I had to choose between the two, I would choose the Real Techniques Complexion Sponge. Even though I really do like the Beauty Blender, the Real Techniques Complexion Sponge is a fourth of the price. It does the exact same thing as the Beauty Blender, but works even better. The Real Techniques Complexion Sponge is a bit more dense than the Beauty Blender so I feel like it soaks up less product. Also, I have found that the Real Techniques Complexion Sponge is a lot easier to clean anddoes not stain like the Beauty Blender does.

All in all, I would choose the drugstore option... the Real Techniques Complexion Sponge.

All Photos by Becky Schutten

Bomb or Bust: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

Bomb or Bust: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

Price: $6.97
You can buy this at: Walmart, Walgreens, Ulta
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Garnier-SkinActive-Micellar-Cleansing-Water-13.5-fl-oz/47176167

After seeing the commercials on the TV about the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, I thought this was going to be another gimmick that wasn't going to work. While at Ulta, I saw it sitting on one of the end caps that holds all of the new products so I decided to give it a try. I did not have high hopes that this cleanser would be anything special. However, when I got home that day and used it to take my makeup off, I was pleasantly surprised. It actually took all my makeup off and left my skin feeling super smooth and supple. I wanted to test it out some more before talking about it, so I used it a couple days later to take off a full-on face of makeup. Again, I was shocked to see that it took all of my makeup off without a ton of effort!

The Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is supposed to be a multi-purpose cleanser that removes makeup, cleanses the face while refreshing the skin at the same time. Garnier claims that this cleanser is a no rinse formula which I can agree with since it does not leave your skin feeling dry or like there is a film on top of it. However, I always suggest using water to wash off any excess when you have the time or water availability. You do not have to rub hard to get any of your makeup or dirt off of you face. It takes everything off with the lightest touch, even stubborn mascara. Garnier also says that it is safe for the eye area, which I usually have trouble with in a lot of products because my eyes can be very sensitive. I was apprehensive to use this to take my eye makeup off since I have had troubles in the past, but I sucked it up and tried it, and to my pleasant surprise, it did not hurt or burn at all. This was a huge plus for me! There is nothing like removing your eye makeup without a struggle and have your eyes feel refreshed afterward. This cleanser is also good for all skin types because it is so light and gentle on the skin. It does not dry your skin out, nor does it leave you feeling greasy or dirty. You wipe your face down, and you instantly feel refreshed and clean.

This Garnier cleanser is great when you are in a rush or on the go because you only need to use one product to get your skin prepped for moisturizer. I love to use this on my lazy days when I don't want to full out wash my face, or when I want to freshen up throughout the day when I'm not wearing any makeup. This cleanser is also good to use to wipe your makeup off easily prior to washing your with your liquid or bar cleansers. The way I use this product to clean my face is by saturating a cotton round with the product and gently rubbing it over my face. After, my face can be a little wet so I like to dab it with a clean towel before I apply my moisturizer.

All in all, I would definitely say that the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water is a bomb product and worth checking out!

Note: Garnier states that this product does not have oil, alcohol, or fragrance.

Photo Credits: Becky Schutten

Winter Nail Polish

Winter Nail Polish

Nail polish is a great accessory that you can use to express your individuality. People like to use specific colors during particular times of the year. For example, people like to use pastels for the spring/summer or red for the holidays. Personally, I paint my nails whatever color I feel like wearing
during any time of the year. To me, beauty is another way to express yourself and set yourself apart from everyone else. After going thru my nail polish collection, I have selected eight nail polishes that are my favorite for this winter season.

When applying nail polish, you want to make sure that you use two thin coats of polish to avoid early breakage. When you apply thicker coats or too many coats of polish, the chances of your nails chipping increase. A good way to tell if you have purchased a good quality nail polish is to see how
many coats of polish it takes you to achieve a flawless nail application. Again, the average amount of coats you want to use is around two. Using a bottom and top coat will help the longevity of your nail polish as well. The best bottom and top coats I have found are the OPI bottom and top coat as well as the Sally Hansen Gel Shine 3D Top Coat. The only drawback I have found with the Sally Hansen top coat is that it can take a little longer to dry. To help with this, I love using the OPI Rapidry Nail Polish Dryer Spray. After painting your nails and applying a top coat, you can spray your nails with the OPI Rapidry spray and it will help speed up the drying process.

The first nail polish I want to talk about is Essie Blanc (10). This is an opaque white nail polish. It has a bit of shine to it without it being shimmery or glittery. Essie Blanc takes about two coats of polish for it to be a nice finish. If you add any more layers than two or three, Essie polishes tend to chip more easily than others so I would be consious for this when applying. White nail polish is a great color to wear because it does with every outfit and every look. I would consider white more of a neutral color, but it is still gives you a pop against your skin especially if you have any kind of tan.

Essie Blanc: $8.50
Where can you buy this: Ulta, Target, essie.com
http://www.essie.com/Colors/Sheers/blanc.aspx

The next nail polish I want to talk about is Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Sweet Talker (340). Sweet Talker is a beautiful peachy nude polish that is slightly on the sheer side. It definitely gives enough color pay off but is not too opaque. I absolutely love the Sally Hansen Complete Salon
Manicure nail polishes. The longevity of the nail polish is amazing and the color pay off is always great. They are a little expensive for a drug store nail polish, but Ulta usually has some kind of deal or a $3.50 off coupon you can use. A nude nail polish is always a great choice and one of my favorite
colors for all year because like the white color, it goes with eveything. The trick is finding the nude color that suits your skintone the best.

Sally Hansen Sweet Talker: $7.99
Where can you buy this: CVS, Ulta, Walgreens, Walmart
http://www.cvs.com/shop/beauty/makeup/nails/sally-hansen-complete-salon-manicure-nail-color-sweet-talker-skuid-901518

The next polish I am loving right now is MAC Cosmetic Quick Million. This is a gorgeous glittery gold polish with baby pink sparkles in it. MAC Cosmetic nail polishes can tend to chip quickly so using a good top coat is super important when wearing a MAC polish. However, I think this color is well worth the chipping just for the color. It is so unique and can even be used as a nail polish topper with one thin coat over another polish. This is one of the few nail polishes I would recommend using three coat (but no more than that.) Since the formula is so sheer, you will need to use about three coats to get a good color payoff. Glittery nail polish is usually a big trend during the holidays, but I love glitter all year because who doesn't want a little sparkle in your life.

MAC Cosmetic Quick Million: $12.00
Where can you buy this: MAC Cosmetics, Macy's, Nordstom
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/13855/31461/Products/Makeup/Nails/Lacquer/MAC-Studio-Nail-Lacquer#/shade/Quick_Million

Another MAC Cosmetics nail polish that I have really been enjoying lately is Girl Trouble. Girl Trouble is an extremely light lilac color with shimmer running through it. Again, MAC nail polishes tend to chip more easily so you will want to top it off with your favorite top coat. This nail polish is
a great color when you are looking for a shimmery nail polish that does not have chunks of glitter in it. Also, I have been loving the light lilac color because it gives you some color without drawing too much attention to your nails.

MAC Cosmetics Girl Trouble: $12.00
Where can you find this: MAC Cosmetics, Macy's, Nordstrom
http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/13855/31461/Products/Makeup/Nails/Lacquer/MAC-Studio-Nail-Lacquer#/shade/Girl_Trouble

If you don't mind drawing some attention to your nails, L'Oreal Violet Vixen (500) would be a great color choice. I would consider Violet Vixen to be a deep violet/magenta shade. This is such a beautiful deep nail polish for winter while still adding a bit of brightness. I am in love with the L'Oreal nail polishes! They are so well made and are not too expensive. This is one of the few nail polish brands (especially in the drugstore) that barely ever chip. I have applied two thin coats of the L'Oreal nail polish and it has lasted a week and a half without chipping. That's amazing! The formula is consistent with almost all of the colors.

L'Oreal Violet Vixen: $5.99
Where can you buy this at: Walmart, Walgreens, Target
http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/products/makeup/nail-color/nail-polish/colour-riche-nail.aspx?shade=AfterHours

You can never go wrong with a classic red. One of my favorite reds is OPI I'm Not Really A Waitress. This is a classic deep red with shimmer. The color red always reminds me of the winter, but wearing a red nail is so classic and feminine that you can never go wrong. When I can't figure out a good nail polish to wear, I usually go from a red or a nude. Red adds a pop of color, yet has become a staple nail polish color for most people so it doesn't come off as too much. OPI is also one of my favorite nail polish brands. Being on the more expensive side, you are paying for what you get. OPI polishes tend to be one of the few brands that last a long time without chipping. Again, you can find OPI at Ulta and use one of their coupons to get money off your purchase. Even with the price, I think they are well worth it!

OPI I'm Not Really A Waitress: $9.50
Where can you buy this: Ulta, OPI.com
http://opi.com/color/im-not-really-waitress-2#JlxgX3sYSkrCKpqF.97

If you want to add a true pop of color to your collection, I suggest getting Julie G nail polish in Kickin' It. This is a metallic electric blue color. It is truly a vibrant pop of color that goes with all skintones. You cannot go wrong with purchasing Julie G nail polish because they are so cheap! You can buy multiple polishes for the price of one top nail polish brand. I have a bunch of the Julie G polishes and I have found that they are very pigmented and a good quality formula. Blue is one of my favorite pops of color to wear on my nails because it is so unusual, so if you are looking for a metallic blue, you should definitley check out Kickin' It by Jule G.

Julie G Kickin' It: $3.99
Where can you buy it: jessiegirlcosmetics.com
https://www.jessesgirlcosmetics.com/product/julieg-nail-color-2012/kickin-it-341

Lastly, I love going for dark colors during the winter time. One of my favorite dark colors is L'Oreal Stroke of Midnight. Again, L'Oreal is one of my favorite nail polish brands and this color in particular is one of my favorite from the brand. It is such a beautiful deep gunmetal grey with a slight shimmer. If you do not like to wear black nail polish, but you want the same effect, you should try this polish out. It gives the vibe of a dark blackish grey but it has the shimmer running through it so it doesn't appear flat like some blacks can.

L'Oreal Storke of Midnight: $5.99
Where can you buy this: Walmart, Walgreens, Target
http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/products/makeup/nail-color/nail-polish/colour-riche-nail.aspx?shade=AfterHours

All Photo Credits to: Becky Schutten