hair therapy: Karmin G3 Salon Pro Styling Iron

when it comes to flat irons, it's safe to say i have plenty of experience and have used many to know the difference between a good flat iron and a fabulous one. for the past couple of weeks, i've been using one that falls in the latter category. it's the where-have-you-been-all-my-life styling iron from Karmin ~ the Salon Pro G3 styling iron; this hair tool has really impressed this beauty girl and i can easily say it's worth checking out!

before i dish any further, here are all the technical details you should know about the Karmin Salon Pro G3:

*features 100% pure tourmaline ceramic plates
*ceramic heat and ionic technology
*temperature variances from 176f to 460f
*curved edge plate for a variety of styles
*allows the ability to straighten, wave, curl, flip hair
*negative ions and infrared heat removes static
*has a tangle free swivel cord
*includes FREE heat mat/carrying case combo

in addition to heating up fast, the floating plates make styling my hair easy and quick. i use a high heat setting, allowing for less passes over my hair which, in turn, helps keep damage at a minimum; my hair is left looking shiny and healthy and the style lasts. 

by the way...for every Karmin Salon Pro G3 Iron sold, the brand donates 5% to help feed hungry children. not a bad reason to treat yourself to something new, huh? ;)

visit Karminhairtools.com for more info.

product featured sent to me for review consideration; i was not paid for this review; opinions and thoughts my own; pics taken by me :)

hair therapy: AG Hair introduces BB Cream total benefit primer + Deflect heat protectant spray

since a good hair day almost always equals a better day, i have two products you are sure to give you this exact thing...

AG Hair recently sent me 2 new products from their Colour Care range: BB Cream hair primer and Deflect, a heat protection spray.

with all the BB and CC cream popularity going on here in skincare, i was understandably skeptical when i was first introduced to the BB cream total benefit hair primer for hair. seriously?! i mean, don't get me wrong, i appreciate {love} BB creams and i find them very helpful {an absolute must-have}. and just like the skincare, AG BB cream works in the same way…you know, just for your hair. 

here's how:

 it's a moisturizer {thanks to hydrolyzed keratin, wheat protein and silk amino acids}; it protects against harsh elements {like high heat styling tools}; fills in the cuticle of the hair for a smother-looking finish; helps set your future style and offers UV protection {african moringa seed extract aids in this} to prevent hair color from fading.

overall, the BB cream has worked like a dream ~ i love it. the fact that it's a multitasker is my fave {if you know me, you know what i mean…}, but it also just works: it makes my hair smoother, acting like a base for whatever other styling products i choose to use and it doesn't weigh my hair down.

Deflect fast-dry heat protection spray is a product that could easily be used following the BB cream. spray on damp hair, style and voila! gorgeous hair in less time {did i mention it shortens dry time?}. but since i'm not one to only use any product in just one way, i also used it on my dry hair for touch-ups before using my flat iron or waver tools. it too is lightweight, and the extra uv protection is always a must!

AG hair products are cruelty free!

these two hair gems are certainly impressive. if i had to choose one to add to my list of yearly favorites {i know, it's early, but...}, i would definitely add the BB cream. it's different and unlike anything i've ever used! of course, i shouldn't be surprised that AG has created another innovative, fabulous product ~ what am i thinking? LOL…

:)

 if you haven't tried their products? what are you waiting for??

BB cream and Deflect will be available online march 1, 2014. visit aghair.com now {you can come back to see me…i'll be here} and find out how to order or find a salon that carries the brand near you. 

products featured sent to me from the brand/PR for review consideration; all opinions and thoughts are my own; i did not receive payment for this review; pics taken by me :)

hair therapy: AG Hair Texture Spray

smooth and sleek hairstyles have their place, but nothing says summer quite like easy, effortless hair;  textured styles are the best for showcasing this, and guess what, beauties? AG Hair has created Texture Spray to give you {and me!} this look...

~ Texture Spray finishes and defines your style while creating moveable, tousled texture. the medium hold formula is enhanced with sunflower seed extract to protect hair colour against damaging UV rays, adds incredible body, shine and controls frizz and flyaways. ~

i love this spray and its ability to give my hair a bit of messy texture that is still under my control. my hair is left looking shiny and feeling soft ~ notice in the pics, i sprayed Texture to my roots for lift and to my just-curled curls, giving them a more undone look. :)

what do you think??
are you a fan of textured styles?

keep your eyes peeled for AG Hair's Texture Spray, officially on shelf august 1, 2013 across north america. visit aghair.com for more info!

product featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

hair therapy: 3 products i love to keep hair gorgeous

during this time of year, the cold, dry weather can really do a number on hair. like all of you, i have my go-to products that i rely to make it look its best, but like any beauty junkie lover, i'm always on the hunt for new products to give my tresses refreshment and keep it looking gorgeous. these have been living up to their promises...


Bumble and bumble Straight Blow Dry. i purchased this a couple of months ago and am so happy i did. described for use by those who have curly, thick, course, unmanageable hair, not only does this silky-textured balm act to cut down on dry time {how? i have no idea, but it works, so that's what really counts, right??}, but it protects hair from heat and fight against pesky fizz. the result is gorgeous hair you can brave the weather in.



as a fan of the John Frieda Frizz Ease range of products, i was beyond thrilled to be given the opportunity to try the new Full Repair line ~ have you tried it yet? ~ and am especially loving the Perfect Ends Deep Infusion. use this inca oil-infused serum on damp hair {a little goes a long way, and to be honest, i sometimes apply it to my dry hair before touch-ups with my flat iron} before styling; you'll be left with a healthy-looking, silky-soft finish that will have you hooked after using just once!


i first discovered One 'n Only over the summer during a trip to Sally Beauty supply. the packets of Argan Oil Moisture Repair Conditioner were on sale for less than a dollar, so i thought, why not give it try? needless to say, i was back in the store buying a full-size bottle the following week. the sulfate/phosphate/paraben-free formula is highly moisturizing, but doesn't weigh hair down {a complete must in my beauty book} and is also safe for color-treated hair.


do tell! what products, new or old-faves, keep your hair looking fab during this season?

John Frieda product sent to me for review consideration; pics taken by me :)

Hair Therapy: Pantene Pro-V Straighten & Smooth Creme

Pantene's new Medium Thick Straighten & Smooth Creme was sent to me from Harper's Bazaar Magazine via a program they offerr to subscribers (this was the first time i was chosen for it!). since being introduced to part of this range of products (shampoo, conditioner, and hairspray included), that offer different hair types different benefits, i have fallen even more in love with the brand.

the Medium-Thick Straighten & Smooth Creme is fabulous because it can be used on hair that is wet or dry. it offers extra conditioning, frizz control, shine and when hair is dry, calms fly-aways.

have you seen the new Pro-V Hair Solutions line? if not, you need to get yourself to your local drugstore and check out these products! you'll be happy you did.


xo
pic taken by me :)

Hair Therapy: Living Proof No Frizz Restyling Spray

when Living Proof's people contacted me about their new Restyling Spray, i didn't hesitate to say yes (!!) when they asked if i wanted to try it out-- i'm already a huge fan of their line. with benefits including detangling, conditioning and blocking humidity, i had high hopes for this new product.

and it didn't let me down!

you see, i like to exercise and work up a sweat most days of the week. this means i have to re-do my hair on those days. since i don't wash my hair everyday, i typically add a bit of leave-in conditioner, blow dry the wet parts and go over any areas that need to be redone with my flat iron. now that Restyling Spray is in my life, i just spray it through my hair and style as usual. my hair is left feeling soft and looking like i just washed it.

Restyling Spray is fabulous if you're looking for a product that will refresh your hair without having to go through the whole process of rewashing it. it's oil and silicone-free and has Living Proof's fabulous scent. find it exclusively on qvc.com.


xo
a full-sized product sample was sent to me by the brand for review.

hair therapy: Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Styling Products

tousled styles are fab and definitely the "it" look of the season. if you're looking for products to give you a perfectly messy style, check these out...




Tousle Me Softly Mousse offers a flexible hold that will keep your style looking fab all day. i love using this on my daughter's hair (it naturally goes the way many spend hours trying to recreate) because it leaves her loose curls defined and soft, not to mention smelling good!




Tousle Me Softly Hairspray is one of my favorite products from this line, and i'm not usually a fan of hairspray. typically i spritz this over my roots to keep the flyaways at bay and it works beautifully. i highly recommend this if you want hold without stiffness.




Tousle Me Softly Spray Gel isn't my favorite, but works to keep waves and curls under control. it's not too stiff and like all of the products, smells amazing.




Tousle Me Softly Finishing Cream does what it says it will-- provides manageable hold when used on wet hair, and smooths flyaways and refreshes hair that is already dried and styled, but i mainly like to apply this to my ends when i'm done styling my hair-- a little goes a long way, so i recommend only using a small amount at a time.


visit herbalessences.com for more info. you can find the entire Tousle Me Softly line in drugstores and mass retailers nationwide.

xo
pics taken by me :)

hair therapy: Jonathan Product Finish Control High Shine Hairspray

Jonathan Product Finish Control High Shine Hairspray is one of the few hairsprays i have found i really like because it's great at holding a style without being stiff or sticky.

i think i have reviewed a total of three hairsprays (this review included) since i started this blog, and it's mostly because i'm not full-time a hairspray user (i don't even think i qualify as a part-time user). so the fact that i am writing this means this has to be good!

there is nothing worse to me than not being able to run my fingers through my hair, and most hairsprays don't do so well in that department. Finish Control passed my test. i really couldn't believe how great it was when i first used it, and had to keep testing it out to make sure...

it hasn't let me down yet! this 100% vegan formula also works great on my son's spiky style without flaking by the end of the day (that can be so annoying), and keeps the hair in my daughter's ponytail in place for hours (i say hours because she hasn't once in her entire life been able to keep one in her hair all day, LOL!).

find Jonathan Product Finish Control High Shine Hairspray in Sephora stores, online at sephora.com and in the fabulous Beautyfix 2 Kit (for a limited time!)

xo

green beauty: Samy Esencia

Samy is making it easier to be green on a budget with his new line of eco-friendly, natural products. check out this new line form Samy called e-sen-cia. the entire line is comprised of 100% vegan, natural and organic shampoos, conditioners and styling products designed to indulge your tresses and senses.

i have yet to try these myself, but i have and still do use Samy products and love them! if these work just as well as the ones i've tried, it would be a great incentive to switch to the more eco-friendly version, don't you think?

here are the details...





shampoo:

White Lotus Hydrating Shampoo with Barley and Nettle
gently cleanses while barley and nettle infuse moisture into each strand, making hair soft, silky and manageable. hydrating botanical extracts smooth and calm frizz.

Mandarin Citrus Volumizing Shampoo with Horsetail and Wheat
gently cleanses while horsetail extracts strengthen and thicken fine hair; wheat proteins infuse weightless texture for extra body, fullness and bounce.


condition:

White Lotus Hydrating Conditioner with Barley and Nettle
barley and nettle gently moisturize and replenish hair by smoothing and sealing the cuticle, producing brilliant shine and a high gloss finish.

Mandarin Citrus Volumizing Conditioner with Horsetail and Wheat
horsetail extracts strengthen and protect fine, fragile hair from damage by increasing elasticity while wheat proteins provide weightless volume and body.

Coconut Conditioning Treatment with Shea and Sweet Almond
the ultimate intense conditioning treatment that works instantly on the hair and scalp; shea butter nourishes and moisturizes while sweet almond oils strengthen and smooth leaving locks silky and shiny.




style:

Rosemary Natural Hairspray with Flax Seed and Jojoba
a hairspray that creates flexibility without stiffness, for all hair types; features breakthrough technology with pine resin and flax seed for lasting hold, jojoba for healing and moisturizing, and rosemary extract for workable hold and high shine.

Pomegranate Styling Mousse with M­­arshmallow and Yarrow
a non-aerosol foaming mousse, formulated with pomegranate fruit extract containing several highly antioxidant properties, marshmallow for conditioning, and yarrow for volume; protects hair and transform lifeless locks while strengthening and increasing elasticity.

Vanilla Styling Creme with Macadamia and Sunflower
macadamia nut and sunflower seed oils nourish and moisturize hair and provide style, control and texture; ideal for dry and damaged hair.

Sandalwood Liquid Pomade with Aloe and Avocado
medium to strong hold pomade formulated with aloe to moisturize the hair and scalp and avocado to condition and shine for a flake-free finish.


don't these sound delish? i am so excited to try these. you can find them now at your local Walgreens and Rite Aid stores. and be sure to visit e-sen-cia.com for even more detailed info about each product, right down to the percentage of natural ingredients used.

xo