My Favorite Cruelty-Free Cosmetics

If you haven't heard, I'm pledging to go cruelty-free with my makeup!  There are so many fabulous beauty brands out there that make high quality, ethical products and they need your support.  As Yes to Carrots says, "beauty shouldn't hurt any living thing."  Since I don't want to support companies that hurt animals, I'm going cruelty-free!

Will you go cruelty free too?  Start small, there's no need to throw out your current stash, but when you go shopping for replacements or new products, look for a cruelty free label or symbol on the product.  Need a place to start?  Here are some products I've tried and liked!  See the full list and links here.

Do you have a favorite cruelty free product?  Leave a comment and let us know or share on our facebook page!

My Love/Hate Relationship with Primer

By now you've probably heard how fabulous primers are for your skin and your makeup routine.  Why use one?  Glamour Magazine lists six reasons:

• Smooths the skin's surface and evens out the skin tone
• Helps to better disguise blemishes and lets you blend your concealer/makeup in more evenly
• Makes your foundation stick around for longer
• Fills in fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduces shine
• And finally, like I said before, it doesn't clog pores!

I've tried a handful of primer products, some I love and some that were relegated to the bottom of my stage makeup kaboodle.  I don't use one everyday, I find I have to remember to use it, and the good ones are expensive, BUT it is great for days when you have to go from 8am to 11pm and need your base to look fabulous.  Selection isn't limited though, there's everything from generic face primers to primers for eyes and lips and color correction, you name it.  Primers have become increasingly popular and more readily available, most drug store makeup lines (as well as prestige brands) have one now.  If you're looking to try a primer, here are four facial primers and one lip primer I tried and my thoughts:

1. e.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer: I tried this one in the clear color, but it also comes in green, purple, and beige.  I wasn't a big fan of this one, it was a bit overly greasy and made my cream foundation more difficult to apply, but the $6 price tag was what lured me.  I normally love the e.l.f. products (they're cheap and cruelty free!), but this one I wouldn't buy again.
2. L'Oreal RevitaLift Miracle Blur: It's not quite a primer, but it works really well for smoothing skin.  It makes your foundation go on super smooth and now comes in a small .05 ounce trial size for under $10, full size $24.99.  Read more of my thoughts on this product on my "I Tried It" post here.
3. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Radiance: I tried this great primer after winning a Pinterest Contest and loved it!  The pearlescent tint gives it a flattering look on the skin, and the super silky formula goes on smoothly and has a matte finish.  Of all the primers I've tried, this is my favorite. It made my foundation and blush look great all day.  A full size tube is $32.
4. Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer - Adjust:  I picked up a trial size of this great primer in an attempt to correct some of the redness on my cheeks.  The green color helps cut redness a tiny bit, but it doesn't take the place of concealer as I had hoped it would.  It goes on smooth and lasts all day, but is a tad more greasy feeling than the Laura Mercier one.  $38 for a full size bottle, or $15 for a trial/travel size.

And finally, a lip primer.  I tried Mary Kay's TimeWise Age-Fighting Lip Primer, which worked wonders when paired with a lip scrub for making lipstick stay on a little longer.  It's super smooth and slick to put on and you barely notice it's there.  Just let it sit for about 30-60 seconds before slathering color on top.

Have you tried any primers?  Did you love them or hate them?  Leave a comment and let us know!

I Tried It: Silky Sexy Hair's Conditioning Styler & Soy Renewal Argan Oil

As part of my ongoing quest to repair and strengthen my hair, I tried two new products: Silky Sexy Hair Conditioning Styler Lite and Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Argan Oil.  I'd used the agran oi for a couple weeks and then swapped it out with the silky sexy product for a few days to see how I liked it.  And of course, I used the "lite" version for my thin tresses.  Here's what Sexy Hair says about both products:

Conditioning Styler Lite is a lightweight leave-in conditioner with styling properties for fine/normal hair types.  Its silk-infused formula delivers a lightweight hold and conditioning properties to leave hair soft and silky.

Soy Renewal is a nourishing styling treatment made with Moroccan Argan Oil that addresses moisture, frizz, smoothness, elasticity and shine concerns.  Also protects from environmental stresses and reduces drying time.

The verdict?  I liked them both, but the conditioning styler not as much as the argan oil.  It's easy to use and glides on easily.  It also works well with other products and doesn't build up a residue, but it just didn't feel as nourishing as the soy renewal.  It's really nourishing and helps with frizz and the same time, although is can be greasy, so I'm always careful to apply only a small amount.

Both products would be great for giving your hair an extra dose of tlc.  Which one do you prefer?

I Tried It: Goody Spin Pin - Spiral Hair Pins

As you know, I'm venturing on a hair repair challenge, ie - operation anti bobbi pin, which means I can't use bobbi pins anymore.  So Patrick handed me a box of these spiral hair pins to try.  He said it's the clamping action of the bobbi pin that makes them bad for hair, so these would be just fine as long as I used them on dry hair.  I'd seen the Goody Simple Styles Spin Pins before but never been tempted enough to try them since I had been successfully creating buns with bobbi pins for year, but I decided to give them a go.  

Here's what they claim to do:

The Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin allows you to easily achieve three chic updo styles.  Simpley twirl your hair up and spin the two spin pins in for a perfect undone bun, side bun or double bun!  Does the work of 20 bobbies.

My verdict?  A fail.  Here's what I managed to create with them:

While I was able to create a small bun and get it to stay in place with the spiral pins, it didn't stay that way for too long.  It definitely doesn't do the work of 20 pins...more like 2-4 pins worth of work.  I'll give them this though, they stayed in place, it was just my hair that slid out.   I have fine hair and even though I dry shampooed and beach sprayed it, after about an hour my hair just slipped out into sort of a limp, lame, non-puffy bun...and all I did was go to the grocery store.  It definitely wouldn't have made it through a dance class!

What I did like about them?  They're textured and incredibly easy to slide in.  Maybe some of my thick haired friends will have better luck.  I wouldn't recommend buying these to anyone with thin or fine hair, but with some thicker hair or lots of product and teasing they could work.  Maybe I need to try the mini size?

Have you tried the spin pins?  What did you think?

~Kirsten

Hair Repair Challenge: Products

My quest to renew, refresh, and lengthen my locks has introduced me to a slew of new products!  To get me started on my hair repair challenge, Patrick gave me these four products to get my hair repaired, with strict instructions that this was a lifestyle change, not just a product quick fix.

Redken Extreme Cat- To reconstruct and recondition.  Patrick says, use this in the shower or when you shampoo and condition. Leave on 5 mins then rinse.

Redken Extreme Anti Snap- Provides heat protection, reduces friction from brushes and helps precent breakage and split ends.  Use as a leave in.  It smells like delicious candy.

Redken Extreme Iron Repair- Helps reinforce and restructure distressed, dull hair.  Patrick says, use it as leave in when you are using hot tools.  It's fruit scent makes up from its weird looking texture.

Pureology Essential Repair Restorative Hair Masque- For immersing distressed hair in a rich masque.  This giant jar is full of creamy, rich looking nano technology.  Patrick says to use it instead of Shampoo and Conditioner for 3 weeks.  Use a quarter size amount just like you would a shampoo: apply, massage well then let it sit for at least 5-8 mins. When rinsing, leave about 15% of it in the hair. Style as usual. 

I'm happy to report it's day four and I haven't broken any of the rules yet.  Need a refresher?  Here are the rules:

• No wet updos
• No bobbi pins or bad for you hair bands (more on the later quest in an upcoming blog post)
• No shampoo/conditioner
• Minimal heat styling

I know I'll never have Kate Middleton hair, but a girl can dream, right?
(Maybe if I saw Patrick every week...?)
~Kirsten

Tune in soon for day by day instructions!

Historical Beauty Icon Inspiration: Marie Antoinette

Femme fatale of the 1700s, Marie Antoinette was renowned for her fabulous style and trend setting beauty.  She picked her fashions for the day with a pin in a special book and changed the trends in France forever...what better inspiration for a real life beauty look.  You can copy the bright pastel trends of the Sophia Coppola movie staring Kirsten Dunst, but if you're looking for something a little more down to Earth, try these ideas:

• Jazz up your beauty space by converting vintage looking frames into gorgeous counter top trays and stack your prettiest beauty essentials there to start your day on a sweet note.
• Create luminous skin (especially in the winter when you need extra oomph) by mixing a highlighter in with your foundation or applying it directly to your face after foundation (on areas that need shimmer like your brow bones, cheek bones, nose, cupids bow).  I like Tarte's Illuminating Moisturizer.
• Define your eyes.  For an ultra glam look, play up your eye line by finishing and filling in your brows, apply a neutral beige from brow to lash line, contour the socket area with a darker nude, and then apply a heavy eyeliner.  L'Oreal's HIP Studio Secrets gel liner is one of my favorites for making an impact.  Apply it with an angled eye liner brush and apply several coats of mascara.  Keep lips a pretty, neutral pink.  (I've always wanted to try this pretty eco-friendly color by Juice Beauty).
• Create a volume rich bouffant.  Marie Antoinette was all about the hair, so grab your teasing comb!  Start by spraying dry shampoo on the underside of your hair, then flip it up and apply Sexy Hair's What a Tease: Backcomb in a bottle to the top layers around the crown of your head.  This gem of a product is made with a special combination of resins that give hair instant height.  Backcomb to get more height and then sweep everything to the side with a chic black ribbon.

Who's your historical beauty inspiration?

Holiday Hair Product Essentials

As we all know, December is usually host to a couple of celebrations that require you to look fabulous for all those facebook photos...holiday soirees, charity galas, office parties, dinners with friends, not to mention New Year's Eve!  Not sure what to do with your hair?  Don't frett!  I've gathered up all the essentials for stocking your cabinet.  If you're prepared with great products, deciding how to do your hair will be a snap!  And now is the time to make sure your cabinet is stocked!  You don't want to wait until two hours before you head out the door to realize you're out of hairspray.

Here's what products you'll need: assuming you already have a great shampoo and conditioner, you'll want a dry shampoo for days when you don't feel like getting wet.  We like Big Sexy Hair's Volumizing Dry Shampoo.  If you need more oomph for day after dirty hair, tap a few sprinkles of Powder Play on your part line and massage into your scalp for an instant lift.  Going curly?  Don't forget the Soy Renewal Beach Spray (this product is a favorite of mine!  It's also a great travel buddy as it works well in any climate).  For styles that need some texture and hold, or if you have short hair, you'll need Short Sexy Hair's Rocked Out, it's a great product that's build-able, mixable, and not sticky!  Pureology's Anti-Split Blow Dry is a great product (that replaced their Nano Glaze) to have in your arsenal too.  And last but not least, you'll need a hair spray.  For a down-do hairstyle try Pureology's Strengthening Control Zero Dulling Hairspray which has a nice build-able quality, but if you need hard hold for an updo Patrick likes the Big Sexy Hair Line.  My pick?  Patrick will kill me, but for extreme updos a little Aqua Net never hurt.  

Here are some little extras to have on hand.  A killer blow dryer, curling iron or flat iron is a must of course, but hair accessories are a good idea to keep around too.  Grab a sparkly hair clip, pin in flower, and don't forget the bobbi pins!  Check out my post on Holiday Hair Add Ins for ideas.  I love having Goody's full size and mini color collection pins by the hundreds on my counter too.

Need more info on the products above?  Call Patrick at the Styling Studio or leave a note with a question on his facebook page.

~Kirsten

Budget Beauty Buys

It's no secret I'm a little cheap when it comes to makeup.  I love using my Lancome eye shadows that come free gift with purchase, but I only treat myself to splurges like department store makeup every year or so (and always only if they have a gift with purchase).  It's been over a year since I've been in a Sephora, but I'm a frequenter of the Target and Ulta beauty aisles and I love trying new, inexpensive makeup.  It's a great way to update your look, for $5 or less sometimes!  Some of my favorite new products have come from the mass market cosmetic companies.  So if you're looking for some new makeup or a different tried and true favorite, check out my favorite beauty buys on a budget.

You have to start with tools you love, two of my favorite brushes are the Expert Face Brush by Real Techniques and the Buffing Brush by EcoTools.  Both have ultra soft bristles (that are bonus, cruelty free) and apply product excellent-ly.  I definitely recommend using a brush for your base if you haven't yet!  After base, eyes are most important to me, so I always fill in my brows.  The ultra inexpensive eyebrow gel from E.L.F. is fabulous (I wish they sold just the cream as I don't use the powder.  Apply it with a detailer brush or angled eye liner brush).  For days I want an extra pop, I use CoverGirl's Liquiline Blast - it goes on super smooth and is really easy to make a winged eye with if the end is sharpened.  For costume parties or dress up events, E.L.F.'s false eyelashes look really realistic too!  For cheeks and lips...you've probably see my previous blog posts singing the praises of the Dream Bouncy Blush, and for lips I love a season neutral berry like the one above by New York Color.  When I feel like a gloss, I reach for my E.L.F. super sparkly pink.

Beauty doesn't have to be expensive!  That I love.  Get all the links and prices here, on Polyvore.  What are your favorite budget beauty buys?

~Kirsten

Short Sexy Hair: Products for women and men

This He Tried/She tried post packs double the punch!  While most Sexy Hair products can be used on women and men, these two work particularly well on both the sexes: Short Sexy Hard Up and Short Sexy Rocked Out.

Short Sexy Hard Up Hard Holding Gel

He Tried/Patrick: Kirsten approached me about a show she was going to be doing over the summer. One of the items that we needed to trouble shoot for her was the awesome humidity we were having, and taming her fly away's around her hairline. I knew that Hard Up would be an awesome choice for her as long as she cocktailed it with the right product. I chose Rocked Out as an option. The hold and shine factor of Rocked out works fabulously with the hold factor of Hard up and allows for a softer feel. You don't lose the strength of the Hard Up Gel while cocktailing you gain more control.

This is a prodcut that I also use on myself on a daily basis. It is my "go to" product of choice to tame my unruly curls. I love it on it's own in my hair and enjoy the hard hold.

She Tried/Kirsten: Patrick gave me this bottle of gel to tame my hair during an outdoor show - which meant it had to hold up to lots of movement and glistening under hot show lights.  It had great hold, especially when it was paired with the Rocked Out Molding Clay (below).  I really enjoyed that it worked well without feeling sticky, but the blue color made it feel a little manly.  The cap closure was also hard to keep looking pristine, as it got messy if you weren't careful.  It served a purpose, but I wasn't blown away by this gel over any other ones I've used before.  The next product though...I really liked!

Short Sexy Rocked Out Molding Clay

He Tried/Patrick:

I had Kirsten use this product for a show she was doing. I knew that it would be the best choice to keep her fly away's around her hair line in place with out the crunch. I explained that it's use is vast and doesn't need to be just on short hair. I love the versatility in the product. I use it on all hair types and lengths.

She Tried/Kirsten:  This product was the perfect solution to my problem!   I used it a bit differently than the package instructions since sometimes when styling my up-dos, my little hairs right by my part that haven't grown out yet are a problem.  The Rocked Out Molding Clay was spot on, it had awesome hold, but wasn't too crunchy.  It's a great buildable product and it doesn't get sticky to the touch when applied.  A word of warning though...don't use too much!  It gets clumpy if you over apply and you'll have to towel it off, but that's only when you're plagued by user error.  Otherwise it's great!  I would definitely keep this product in my arsenal.  

AND He Tried/Kirsten's Husband Chase:  That's right, Patrick handed this product off to my husband too!  I remember scooping an old jar of hair clay out of my husband's drawer when we moved in to our condo in 2007, but it was clear it hadn't been used in quite a long time.  So it was really impressive when Chase came home with product after his hair cut with Patrick.  Patrick gave Chase a jar to use with his new hairstyle, which was slightly longer on top than usual.  Guess what?  He actually used it!  On his head it looked natural and didn't feel sticky or clump at all during the day.  That's a product promotion if I've ever seen one.

He Tried/She Tried: Pureology Fortifying Heat Spray

He Tried: Patrick
Pureology Fortifying Heat Spray Protective Primer

Kirsten let me know she was going to be doing a show and wanted a recommendation for a product to use to protect her hair from the intense curling that would be done. I wanted her to try this spray because I knew it was light weight enough to use on a daily basis and not build up. Plus, it would protect her color at the same time. This is one of my "go to" products on color treated tresses.

She Tried: Kirsten
Patrick gave me a bundle of products to check out and take with me on my last show trip (read about the details here).  In the bundle was a bottle of Pureology Fortifying Heat Spray Protective Primer.  I admit, at first I was skeptical about adding another product to my hair before blow drying or styling.  I'm not the best with blow outs and I didn't want to end up greasy or with limp strands, but my fears proved to be unfounded!  The Pureology Heat Spray was great!  It was light and pleasant smelling, and I didn't even know if was there.  When I spritzed it on my strands before curling it didn't gunk up my curling iron or leave my hair crunchy.  I would definitely recommend this product for anyone who uses a lot of heat.  Like I said, I didn't even know it was on my hair, which for a protecting spray, is the greatest compliment of all!

~Kirsten and Patrick

Have you tried this product?  Leave a comment or post on our facebook page and let us know what you think!

Product Cocktails: How to mix and match your hair styling products

Good hair products can work in perfect harmony together, and in fact, are often created to layer with one or more from the same line.  Mixing products at first can be scary, but you shouldn't worry!  Patrick says: "You can play around with the use each day to find what works best for you. You have a base of products that will last a long time. Don't be afraid to try new uses for each product." 

Here are seven common products and how to use them with each other for the best effects:

Moroccan oil shampoo and deep conditioner

Maintain use when cleansing and conditioning hair

Sexy Hair Root pump plus spray mousse

Use this product when styling, spray on to the base of hair near the scalp. You can air dry with this or add heat with a blow dryer by breeze drying or styling with your brush. You can also let it airdry and then use your new curling iron as your heat addition after hair has dried. This spray mousse is designed to be placed at the root of the hair at the scalp. 

Pureology Texture Twist

Texture twist can be cocktailed with the Moroccan oil to add volume to the root when touching up in extreme humidity. It is designed as a finisher to add texture. This product can be cocktailed with any of the listed products.

Rusk Wired

This can be used as a refresher alone to maintain control of the hair with out a lot of weight added to the hair when dry styling. A little goes a long way!  This is a great product to add control when dry styling to give texture and movement. You can cocktail this with Moroccan Oil for a lighter weight air dry as well.

Big Sexy Hair What a Tease

This productis designed to have backcomb in a bottle. A little goes a long way.  Spray at the base of hair where ever you feel you need extra volume. This will be used once you have airdried, blow dried or curled hair, prior to using any finishing spray. This product is not meant to be used on a daily basis, it's more of a twice a week addition. You will use this prodcut when first styling, after you cleanse and condition and then again a day or two later to refresh the hair.

Big Sexy Hair Powder Play

You can couple this with what a tease for extreme volume by placing it on the base where volume is needed, remember to rub this into the hair at the sclap so it activates the product. Then spray the what a tease over it. Once what a tease has been sprayed you can then seperate hair in four different directions to get the backcombing effect. 

Moroccan Oil Hairspray

This is a finishing spray that can be used daily for hold and pliability of styling when finishing the hair. This product can be layered over all your products for extra control.

Short Sexy Hair Play Dirty 

This product can be used as a layering product when you want an edgy finish with a lot of peiceyness and movement. You can use this product up to 3 times a week. This is a product that you don't need much of. A little goes a long way and works well in humid weather when using the weatherproof as a protectant.

Big Sexy Hair Weather proof

This is your absolute last product to use after styling the hair or retouching the hair. This product will last for a couple of days at a time. When in extreme heat and humidity you can use this everyother day as your last product to place a protective shield over the hair.

Want seven days of hair ideas with these products?  Check back Thursday!

~Kirsten & Patrick

Pre-Fall Hair Idea: Slicked Back Center

This hairstyle is technically a fall trend, but the slicked center look is perfect for poolside drinks when you have no intention of getting in.  Although the look was called "edgy," "severe," and "rock and roll," backstage at fashion week, Allure Magazine declares them to be quick, easy, and practical.

For the look in the photo, shown from Versus, the trick is to slick back just the center of the hair.  This gets rid of the face framing layers allowing you a low maintenance style when you don't want to fuss with your hair.  Hairstylist Guido's inspiration for the Versus model was a 1970's look popularized by Catherine Deneuve.  To copy the look yourself, section off and pull back the center of the hair.  Use a gel to keep everything in place.  Patrick likes Short Sexy Hair's Hard Up, a super strong gel with a bit of shine.  Hold the hair in place with two bobbi pins or a cute barrette (like the "Glam Girl" ones shown above from Goody.)  You can then flat iron the rest of your hair, put it in a low pony tail, or just let it do it's thing.

What's your go to hairstyle for going out?
~Kirsten

He Tried/She Tried:Finishing Touches

Today's He Tried/She Tried focuses on the final finishing touches of your hair style: hair spray, shine spray, and anti-humidity spray.  We all know that styling your hair is half the battle, what you put of when you've finished is what will help you keep your hair looking fabulous for hours to come.  Read on for three of Kirsten and Patrick's favorite finishing products from the Sexy Hair line.

Sexy Hair All Nighter Hairspray
Patrick:  When Kirsten told me she had a show to do in the summer heat, I knew this would be the Hair Spay that would work best for her. It has a strong hold and is used to create strong memory and remains in tact during an all nighter perfomance. I explained the usage to Kirsten and let her know that it would hold her hair in place and give it a solid finish. I explained that she wouldn't have to worry about her hair falling out of place once styled and finished.
Kirsten: Hair spray is crazy important to me, especially when I'm doing shows, so when Patrick asked me to swap out my Tresseme 24 Hour Body hairspray for his bottle of Sexy Hair Hairspray, I wasn't sure.  My fear proved to be unfounded though, as the All Nighter spray did just what it advertised.  It kept my hair in perfect place.  It does get a little crunchy when you pile it on, but it brushes out quite easily.


Sexy Hair Big Shine Spray
Patrick:   This product is amazing and I knew Kirsten had to try it. It has a hold factor of a 1 and a shine and pliability factor of 9, and places a shine over the hair after, you have styled and finished with hair spray. This is a non-greasy, non-oily shine spray that does not break down product that has been used to finsih. It has a lightweight feel and will not weigh down the hair. Even the most delicate fine hair will benefit from this shine product.
Kirsten:  There's not much to say about this product, it's easy to use, smells pleasant, and leaves your hair with a perfect finish and extra shine!


Sexy Hair Weather Proof: Humidity Resistant Spray
Patrick: This is one of my "go to" products to fight humidity and frizz during the late spring and summer seasons here in Chicago (and all year round too).  This revolutionary product places a protective shield over the hair after you have finished your style.  Because of the technology used to create this product, it can be used to guard against these elements, it will wear on the hair very lightly and not produce a hard feeling.
Kirsten:  Frizzies be gone and stay gone!  This product goes on the hair light, non-sticky, and magically seems to keep your hair in perfect place regardless of rain and humidity!  A must use for outdoor updos.  See more of our thoughts on Weather Proof here.


~Patrick and Kirsten

Pureology Sale: Select Packaging 50% off!

Your favorite Pureology products have a new look, which is good news for you! Not only will the new packaging be beautiful it is designed for easy use. All of the former Pureology packaging in stock at the Styling Studio are 50% off! Shop your favorites to help us make room for the new product packaging, you get the same great product for half the price. The fine print? Only available while supplies last. This exclusive offer cannot be combined with any other offers discounts or specials and are inclusive of Pureology former packaging only.


Stop by the Styling Studio today and stock up!
1518 South Wabash

I tried it: Curly Sexy Hair Shampoo

I was in the market for some new shampoo, so Patrick handed me some bottles of Curly Sexy Hair Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner.  I'm a fan!  The pretty blue bottles are slim and easy to open and contain the sweet smelling shampoo and conditioner.  I've only used it a couple times, so I'm not sure how much it helps my hair curl, but it lathers well and makes my hair feel squeaky clean and soft!  I'll definitely keep it my collection!

What's your go to shampoo?

~Kirsten

I Tried It: Glitter Eyeliner

Part of staying for a few days in a different city that I enjoy is shopping for different types of makeup.  Big box stores each carry different lines of inexpensive, fun makeup.  While in Wisconsin, I met a brand I hadn't seen before at Walmart: Hard Candy.  Their shelves are full of fun colors, glitter filled tubes and pencils with a punk rock feel.  I couldn't resist grabbing a cute little tube of glitter eyeliner: Hard Candy Walk the Line Liquid Eyeliner in Licorice.

The verdict?  A do.  I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars.  It's easy to apply with the brush that is attached to the cap and it has the perfect amount of sparkle - not too much for daytime, but enough for going out.  I did have to apply around 3 layers to achieve the look I wanted, but I appreciate a product that you're able to amp up by layering.  It was easy to take off with an eye makeup remover as well.

I'd say it's worth picking up to add a little fun to your look.  It's available in other colors as well and under $5 a pop.

What's your favorite big box makeup item?

~Kirsten

He Tried/She Tried: Pureology Silk Bodifier

He Tried - Patrick
Pureology's Silk Bodifier Volumizing Mousse is one my favorite mousses to use. Especially on color treated hair. I asked Kirsten to try out this particular mousse because I knew that it would work great for her texture and protect her colour treatment.

One of my pet peeves about mousse is the one dimensional styling aspect many mousses give. You put it on the hair, and boom, you have one choice. A hard crunchy finish with out the ability to style or blow dry. Pureology's Silk Bodifier Volumizing Mousse does the opposite. It will give the hair volume with a medium hold, shine, and most importantly, protect your colour treated tresses. I explained to Kirsten that it has many diverse styling options. With the diversity of this mousse a person can explore a multitude of different looks.
-Patrick

She Tried - Kirsten
I've become addicted to mousse.  Ever since reading about the return of mousse in a few magazines, I've been using it and loving it, so when Patrick handed me a bottle of Pureology's Mousse, I was happy to try it.  There's not much to say about this product other than I love it!  It's silky, soft, and completely non-sticky (which is a BIG selling point for me, I hate being sticky).  It smells great and applies to hair without creating a sticky or crunchy feeling.  Bonus points, the product brushes right out without any tangles.   I definitely recommend this product for creating body for almost any hair style!  It's especially nice with updos!
-Kirsten

Have you tried it?  Leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Makeup for your Beach Bag

Hooray!  It's beach season.  The weather is warm, the sun is out, which means that you'll no doubt find yourself at a beach day or pool side gathering soon.  And a day at the beach needs its own separate bag of makeup.  Here are our suggestions for your beach bag makeup stash.

First, get yourself a water proof case for your goodies.  I'm in love with the silicone Candy Store collection from Ulta.  These candy color silicone cases have metal frames and are smooth, waterproof, wipeable, and tear/stain/fade resistant, which makes them perfect for water themed days.

Of course, you'll want a sun screen.  My current favorite is Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen.  I'm crazy about sun protection when I'm out all day, so I opt for SPF 70, but they make a whole range.  It's creamy and goes on easily, but isn't too thick to use on your forehead, nose, and ears if you have to, just apply a little powder on top to avoid looking crazy shiny.  Although the Real Techniques blog turned me onto powder sunscreen.  Anyone tried it?  It seems like a brilliant concept.  I also like to stash a stick sunscreen in my bag incase I'm caught without the bottle - it's a burned nose saver!



Onto makeup - look for products that don't have a lot of weight or shine.  Cream products tend to have more staying power in the heat, especially cream blush when it's layered over foundation but under powder and then topped with a powder blush.  For face, opt for tinted moisturizers, mousse foundations, or rock out concealer only.  Powder gets a bad rap, but I love a matte look, so I'll buff in a light beige powder to even out my complexion or reduce shine if I know I won't be getting sweaty that day.  Some magazines swear you can't wear full foundation at the pool, but if you find the right color, blend well, and top off with a powder to reduce shine, you can look just as natural.

Don't forget your lips!  Use a lip scrub to get rid of any flakes and then protect your lips with a colored lip balm.  If you're out during the day, full lipstick can feel and look too heavy, while glosses can get sticky in the heat.  Plus, it's easy to find balms that contain SPF - lips can get burned too!  If you do want to wear your favorite lipstick shade, opt for a clear lip liner (yes, they make those now).  It'll keep the color in but not look off when all your lipstick rubs off onto your margarita glass!

And absolutely don't forget water proof mascara!  Know that there is a difference between water proof and water resistant.  If you know you'll be swimming, you definitely want water proof.  I like Lancome Definicils as a splurge or Cover Girl's new mousse line as a more budget friendly option, although it's not completely water proof.

Makeup is also an ever changing field.  There are always new, wonderful waterproof and long wear products coming out.  So treat yourself and try something new for your next beach day...then tell us about it!

~Kirsten

He Tried/She Tried: Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof

Need a perfect summer frizz solution?  Check out Weather Proof: Humidity Resistant Spray.  It's the latest product to get the He Said/She Said stamp of approval! Read on for the stylist/client point of view of this great product.

Partick - The Stylist
Kirsten called me prior to her trip to Michigan to see family and asked that I style her hair for her fabulous weekend. I agreed and thought about elements that could possibly affect her hair style: Humidity!

I knew that I could get into my styling kit and utilize Sexy Hair's Big Sexy Hair Weather Proof as a finishing solution to avoid humidity. This is one of my "go to" products to fight humidity and frizz during the late spring and summer seasons here in Chicago (and all year round too).  This revolutionary product places a protective shield over the hair after you have finished your style.  Because of the technology used to create this product, it can be used to guard against these elements, it will wear on the hair very lightly and not produce a hard feeling.

I asked Kirsten to take Weather Proof with her on her trip and let me know how it held up. I also let her know that she didn't need to overuse the product for protection. This is definitely one of those cases where "less is more."  Over use of this humidity spray may produce a build up that requires a clarifying shampoo to remove.  Although I have yet to meet anyone that has had this issue, I wanted Kirsten to be prepared. With a lot of professional products, a good use of thumb is "the smaller the bottle, the less you use.  The larger the bottle, the more you use."
Cheers,
Patrick

Kirsten - The Client
Patrick sprayed me up with Weather Proof for the first time when he blew out my hair for a weekend long surprise party on a rainy day.  Take this bottle, he said, and use it again if it gets humid.  But, I was to be careful because overuse would have to be clarified to remove.  Armed with my sample bottle and a slight fear of over application, I went on my way.  It was amazing!  My curly hairstyle lasted and looked lovely through a three hour car ride and a rainy walk into the restaurant.  Frizzies be gone!  I used it once more that weekend a couple days later, and although it wasn't particularly humid, my hair-do stayed perfectly in place and frizz free.  Check out the photo (left) of my fabulous hair-do from Patrick - snapped nearly 8 hours after the original styling - when I was orchestrating a family gift.

I definitely recommend this product.  You'll feel like you aren't putting anything on - the mist is fine like hair spray and it goes on top of your finished style, but it works somehow.  Combine this product with hair spray and you'll be good to go!
~Kirsten

Have you tried Sexy Hair's Weather Proof?  Leave a comment and let us know what you thought.

My Routine: Audition Hair & Makeup

 Part of being a singer, actor, and dancer means attending lots of auditions!  That means having a look down for your hair and makeup that you can create and recreate for each audition and callback.  It has to show off the best side of you but not be too distracting that it pulls focus from your singing.  Plus, should you get called back for a second audition you'll need to recreate the exact same look.

Other things to consider: You never know where you'll be auditioning, so your makeup needs to stand out enough that you'll be seen if you're on a stage, but not too harsh if you'll be standing in front of the auditioners table in a florescent lighted room.

My go to look: sleek, frizz free hair curled at the ends and slightly amped up natural looking makeup.  I always go for a soft smokey eye created with chocolate and pinks, brown eyeliner on the top lids only, filled in eyebrows, cream and powder blush blended together, and a berry lip.  It's like me only more polished.  One of my college vocal coaches always said "if you look good, you'll sing good."

So far, that has proven to be true!

~Kirsten










My audition makeup ingredients:
*Garnier Ultra Lift 2 in 1Wrinkle Reducer Serum + Moisturizer
* Olay Age Defying Classic Eye Gel
*Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse applied with Real Techniques Expert Face Brush.
*NYC Smooth Skin Pressed Powder applied with EcoTools Buffing Brush
*L'oreal Eye Shadow Quads applied with EcoTools Eye Shading Brush
*ELF Studio Eyebrow Kit applied with Sonja Kashuk Detail Brush
*Covergirl Liquiline Blast Eye Liner
*Covergirl Natural Luxe Mousse Mascara
*Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush applied with Real Techniques Stippling Brush
*Physician's Formula Mineral Glow Pearls Blush applied with EcoTools Blush Brush
*Mary Kay Satin Lips Lip Mask
*Mary Kay Age Fighting Lip Primer
*NYC Lipstick in Berry Rich