Review Time: Wella Professionals Elements Shampoo and Conditioner

Review Time: Wella Professionals Elements Shampoo and Conditioner

Sometimes the heavens really do open up for a moment and the sun shines through the clouds in an other-wordly light and God quietly whispers down to you.

"Hey girl, here's something amazing."

And by this I mean, my Cosmoprof girls gave me samples of some really amazing stuff- so amazing I went back and bought the full sizes just for myself.

Let me introduce to you- the Wella Elements line.

It's not a surprise that I love Wella. I'm a big fan of their color, and I have yet to find anything from their lines that I haven't really liked.

However, I hadn't tried any of their hair products. I know. 

It seems like such a normal thing to get into, but honestly I rarely spoil myself with new products and I had yet to run out of my beloved Paul Mitchell stuff at the shop so I didn't see the need at that time.

But my Cosmo girl was like, "You NEED this."

"Why?"

"Dude, it's sulfate free but lathers like crazy. It lathers more than anything I've used- even with sulfates."

"...lather, you say?"

I freaking love lather.

I genuinely think sometimes if my shampoo doesn't lather- it's not cleaning. This sometimes makes going more "natural" very difficult, because sulfate free shampoos (which are really great for your hair) do not lather- or at least not very much. It mostly feels like you're pushing gunk around your hair and by the end of it you're like, "Why do I still feel grease?"

I don't really like sulfate-frees, even though I know they're good for me.

Sulfate free shampoos are the broccoli of the hair world.

So when she said all the right buzzwords in all the right ways, I was like...

"Gimme".

Fast forward a couple days, and I'm staring at the samples in my bathroom and I'm still a non-believer. It took me an annoyingly long time to even try this stuff because I was so skeptical.

But then I was like, "Eh, screw it. I'll just wash my hair twice if it doesn't feel clean."

So I did what any chump would do, I poured out way too much and started to scrub.

This stuff lathers like crazy. It foams up almost instantly and it smells sooooo clean. It's smells vaguely like lime or something sort of tropical. It actually reminds me a lot of the Coconut Lime scent from Bath and Body Works except less coconut in the mix.

It's actually very cleansing, in fact it's probably my most cleansing shampoo in the lot but it's so strange.

Your hair is clean but it's hydrated. It's a very strange sensation because normally you suds up your hair, rinse and then it starts to feel like straw before you put on your conditioner. With this particular shampoo though, it just feels clean. Just clean. The end.


The conditioner is a similar effect as well. It's on the lightweight side, but it's very effective.

It feels hydrated but not greasy, soft but not slick, and flexible but strong.



My hair has probably never felt better after using this combo. It's been much more manageable and I can still get volume without having to sacrifice moisture. I really, really, really like this. Very much.

I think it's my new holy grail shampoo and conditioner.


So let's look at the logistics now:


These retail to the consumer at anywhere between $17-22 for 8.5 oz.

Basically this stuff isn't at Ulta yet so you can find it all over the internet at different prices because it hasn't technically launched yet. Most of the time we as hairstylists see things a few months before everyone else.

For cosmetologists this costs $11 for 8.5 oz (so still pretty steep for us, even).


The claims Wella are making are:

"Free of sulfates, parabens and artificial colorants"

"Preserve and nourish from root to tip"

"Renews moisture in hair"

"Strengthen each hair fiber from within"

"Repair and preserve hair's natural vitality"

Basically the idea is that it's preserving the hair's inner structure.


And all in all, I think it really comes through with it's claims. My hair does feel more flexible, moisturized, and I can tell the ends look a million times healthier and less fried.

In terms of color, I haven't seen it effect the color I currently have in my hair so that's also super nice. I've used this a couple times on red-heads as well and I didn't see any abnormal color bleeding. (And usually you can see it with reds because it's so obvious.



All in all, is this product pricey- yeah.

But it's oh so worth it if you want something that'll work for you instead of making you fight against it later.


If you're wanting something more "natural" to use on your hair, or you're wanting moisture without wanting to sacrifice volume at the roots- this is definitely for you.


Currently you can only get this online or from salons who carry Wella (self included), but you can find some pretty good deals online!


-SamanthaK

Review Time: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

Review Time: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

You guys know how I am with mascaras.

I have like, 5 tubes open at once, I'm always cross comparing and when I happen upon something I like- I always keep it in rotation.

So this last tube I bought of my beloved Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing mascara I noticed something wasn't the same about it.

Normally when I open them for the first time- they're already at that mouse-like texture (as if you've already had been using it for a week- you gals feel me on this). This time however, it was wet. Wet wet wet wet wet.

Gross wet. Sloppy wet. Cringeworthy.

At this point I was alarmed. Did they change the formula? Holy crap, what if I can't find another mascara I like as much as this?

Flash forward about 3 drugstore mascaras and I was kind of hating life.

So look, I'm the first on the bandwagon to say that there are good drugstore mascaras and you don't have to go to Sephora and shell out good money to get something that should have cost you less.

But let me tell you what most people won't:

In Sephora, your odds are PRETTY DAMN GOOD that you'll find something you'll like. You could pretty much throw a rock in that store and odds are- the product will be good. 

In the drugstore however- you're going to be on the eternal quest for a long awhile. 

So again flash forward, and I'm standing in line with my sister in law at Sephora and in the isles of doom (you know, the isles they make you pass by to get to the registers and it's all this delightfully affordable travel size stuff) and I see a little combo pack of Too Faced's most popular items.

The kit is called "Sex and Chocolate" (hilarious).

You can purchase it at Sephora for $15:

http://www.sephora.com/sex-chocolate-P392927?skuId=1669654

So it comes with the chocolate soliel bronzer which everyone (self included) really likes.

And then it came with the travel size Better Than Sex mascara (which btw is exactly half size of the full size, so it's not some dinky "delux sample" Sephora tries to pawn off as usual)

I'd been wanting to try this for a minute and I figured it's a decently sized promo pack and the packaging is convenient for travel so WHY NOT.

So I used the mascara for about a week- and then went and bought the full size of it.

I. Freaking. Love. This. Mascara.

So here's what I found:

I'm a stickler for packaging- so here's my packaging discussion.

This brush is huge and hour-glass shaped and when I first pulled it from the tube, I was like- wtf is this? What kind of mid-evil torture device have I come upon?

However, I was pleasantly surprised. The hourglass shape doesn't cut in deep enough to make the whole thing useless. The bristles are so bushy it almost reminds me of a boar bristle brush. The tube itself is a rose gold metal with the actual title stamped into it.

And my favorite feature- the handle is weighted.

I know, you're like, what?

Trust me. If you are a man-handed goblin like me, you'll understand how sometimes clutching onto a tiny piece of plastic that has no weight or structure makes life difficult.

Not only is the handle weighted, but it's actually of a pretty good size too. I felt like getting around my eye was a much easier task than normal. (The travel size isn't weighted like that, for reference, but the brush head is how it is in the full size.)

Packing- A+

 So for reference, here are my natural lashes. (Also, ignore my congested skin. My skin HATES me right now despite all the care and love I give.)

So yeah, blonde, short, nothing to write home about.

Here's one coat on one side.

SO YEAH, BIG DIFF ALREADY.

And 2 coats on one side. They're so much thicker, fluffier, darker, etc. I could honestly get away with mascara and no eyeliner if I wanted to. The brush grabbed every lash I had and made it look a million times more attractive.

Hard to tell because of the lighting (my bad) but you can tell one side looks insanely dense at the lash-line and the other looks crazy dumb.

It occurred to me later that I should take a few pics after a few hours of wear- so I apologize for the lighting but this was much later at night.

You can see it smudged a tiny bit under my bottom lashes but that is mostly because I rub my eyes a lot and is to be expected from any non-waterproof mascara.

Honestly, this held up so much better than all my mascaras- including my beloved Jordana mascara. It lasted through blowdryers and a very hot salon- so I was very, very happy with this.

Application wise, the brush ends (where it's thicker) were a bit tricky at first because my first instinct was to stick the brush head in the inner corner of my eye like I always do with all my flatter mascara wands- so I ended up gooping it a little on my eyelid. After a couple days though, you get used to the flow of the brush head and life went on as usual.

The formula itself is pretty wet, but the brush does a nice job of evenly distributing the mascara without clumping up and getting gross. The mascara is definitely super inky dark black, and dries to stay very black but it looked very natural. My lashes still felt soft and flexible.

Honestly, just all in all- this mascara feels expensive. Everything from packaging to application to wear feels like a luxury. Basically it's like having the glamour of false lashes without A) having to apply false lashes or B) having to wear a tubing mascara that flakes off in your eyeballs or something.

I imagine this mascara would be on par with Benefit's They're Real mascara- but I had a horrible skin reaction to They're Real and also- the brush on Too Faced's is so much better. Like a million times better.

The downside to this whole debacle is that the mascara itself, full size is $23, which I think is pretty obnoxious for something you throw away in 3-4 months.

I got lucky when I went to buy mine because I not only had $12 dollars in points at Ulta, but I also had a 20% off coupon I could use on top of it, so I got it for around $7 with tax.

WHICH IS CHEAPER THAN A DRUGSTORE MASCARA.

-which is also the reason I went ahead and bought it. I have plenty in my travel size to last me awhile, and then I won't have to crack open my new one right away.

Honestly though, I think I would just spend the $23 dollars. The rest of my makeup routine is pretty much drugstore, or it's stuff I got during Christmas that'll last me a long time- so to me if that's my only expense- it's not too bad.

The blogger in me says, splurge, but the cheap-skate in me says I understand if you end up saving your money instead,

-SamanthaK

Golden Globes 2015: Praises and Rants

Golden Globes 2015: Praises and Rants (aka the time I slowed down your computer with pics)


*sips coffee, starts music*

Ok, let's dish.

Where do I even start?

First of all, did my blog get passed around Hollywood or something?

 I swear, everyone was like, "Hey, remember that girls' rant from last year? Let's all give a retro throwback and finally dress like we're actually going to a prestigious awards show that spends a billion dollars just to honor us and give us free food."

I'm so impressed this year, I didn't even really know where to start. It took me awhile just to gather pictures up and sort our my thoughts!

First of all, let me nod to the vixens in the mix.

Laura Prepon, you are a gothic goddess. Your upclose makeup is divine and that dress is doing everything right.

And JESSICA CHASTAIN, the suprise of the evening in the bronze gathered dress. I can't even. The red retro waves. Fskgfoisdhfgijhbasflkwand'flkasnfas, brain explosion. She, funny enough, wasn't even on my radar until now. That bitch needs a closer eye!

And then the big trend was a sea of red and one of my favorite retro trends- matching lipstick to your dress.

I realize it became very out of fashion to match your shit together. In the 50's, it was a faux-pas to not match you nails, lips and dress and frankly I KIND OF MISS THAT ATTENTION TO DETAIL. I'm very happy it's coming back- and in a big, red way no less!

(And side discussion, I am so happy it was primarily more mature actresses that went with the red trend. Like, who better to wear a red dress than Helen Mirren and Jessica Lange. Like, don't they just look like they descend staircases in plantation houses every day of their lives?)

And then, like small glimmers- there was a little trickle of white.

And sweet Jesus, was it good.

Like, ok, normally I would be giving beef over Emily Blunts braids and messier hair but with the Grecian (Michael Kors no less) dress, it was like a little beacon of light from the heavens and birds helped her put on those (FREAKING AMAZING) earrings, and a small deer helped her pick her shoes. 

I don't even, perfection. Just perfection.

And Kate Hudson's body is so amazing I'm not surprised she went for a showier dress. (I'd go to a show naked if I had a bod like that. True facts. I'd burn all my clothes in a bon-fire.)

AND THEN, silver- and silver in the most amazing way.

Sequins and shimmers and mattes, and rhinestones galore. I just. Wow, what a cool color to pick for this.

My favorite would probably be Krugers' matte shimmer which is so cool and interesting. ALTHOUGH JULIANNE MOORE IN THAT CUSTOM GIVENCHY RIGHT?! 

For the record though, I am on the fence about J-Lo. Like, obviously girls' got a rockin' bod and she's cultivated a look for herself over the past 80 years. (I imagine sometimes there's a portrait of J-Lo aging somewhere for her in someone's basement while she roams the earth forever as an attractive woman) but GIRL, THAT LOOK IS TIRED. 

The big trend of the year though was definitely shimmer.
There were rhinestones and glimmer a plenty. There were mattes and metallics galoorrreee.

You want shine? THERE WERE LIKE, 20.

And usually first-times or celebrities who haven't lost their excitement for awards season yet wear color.

Felicity Jones in teal Dior though, suuuuuper fly. I mean, maybe the cut wasn't the most flattering, but it was so very elegant. (And matching eyeshadow! Ah! Love!)

And then small addition here:

I love that Lorde did this weird Madonna-esque, 90's crop top suit thing.

Normally I would be spitting fire, but I actually sort of fell in love with this. No explanation necessary.

And then fucking Lupita Nyong'o came out in a purple blaze and left FIRE ON THE CARPET.

That girl is so on it, I can't even keep up. I love her in her natural hair with that stunning makeup (which I will get to later) and that stunner dress (which oddly enough everyone predicted Felicity Jones (left) to wear). Lupita just makes my heart sing.

And now for some dress rants.

 What the ever living fuck.
(Sorry Mom, I couldn't help it)

FIRST OF ALL, WHO CHOSE THIS LENGTH. ZAC POSEN, I KNOW YOU DID LENA DUNHAMS DRESS. I AM SHAKING A FINGER AT YOU.

This whole cut up the front thing is so unattractive, especially on Kerry Washington. I mean, the top of that dress isn't doing too many favors either, but why cut it at the ankles? WHY.

And Lena Dunham, I mean, that girls makeup is so fly and you can tell she was really trying hard this year but ZAC POSEN, WHY WOULD YOU LET HER LEAVE IN THIS ONE? What kind of girlfriend are you?! Rule one, never let a girl leave in a dress you designed lookin' like that. It makes you look bad! Zac Posen, shame on you. You should know better, you had like 10 girls in your dresses- get your shit together.

 AND THEN WTF KIERA KNIGHTLY. Your Chanel makeup is flawless, but WHO LET YOU LEAVE IN THIS. I realize you are pregnant, and this is also vintage Chanel, BUT COME ON. THAT IS HIDEOUS. And the matching hand piece and hair piece. f;klasfjgliksjghljhserrglawkgjhlsdfkjdgh

Excuse me while I cool off...


Claire Danes, I know you normally are a little wild with your fashion, but this is a matronly disaster and DON'T THINK YOU'RE FOOLING ANYONE WITH THE CLEAVAGE. THIS DRESS IS NOT SEXY. Damn girl. Lookin' like you're wearing a meemaw dress that you cut open.

And now, allow me to turn my rant onto George Clooney's new wife- Amal.

This is a smart woman, like crazy smart. And she's married to, oh I don't know, one of the richest and most influental men ever.

AND SHE WORE THOSE FUCKING GLOVES.

Urgh, God. Look man, I love women who try to bring something back and opera gloves were a good choice but here's how bringing something back works-

YOU HAVE TO NAIL IT, OTHERWISE PEOPLE THINK IT'S DUMB AND THE TREND WILL LIVE AND DIE ONLY WITH YOU.

This is bullshit.

I want opera gloves, or just gloves in general to make a comeback BUT THESE LUMPY OVERSIZED DISASTERS RUINED IT FOR EVERYONE.

And, while I'm on fire here- WHAT IS HAPPENING TO YOUR HAIR. That looks like the grease ball disaster situation from last year! Don't you read my blog Amal? Did the other girls not pass my words of wisdom along?

Your makeup and dress are so fly and YET YOU RUINED ALL THAT HARD WORK.

GREAT DISAPPOINT.


BUT, there was a saving grace at the Golden Globes- there were so very few makeups I did not like.

Here's some of my favorites.

Smokey eyes, super classic.

 Perfection skin.

Small flushes of color.

 Stunning, not overdone eyes.

Light berry lips.

Laura Prepon making me super happy (except for those 90's eyebrows but I can't get on that rant- it'll last forever).

 I just loved that everything wasn't TOO overdone or on the flip-side too light. Everyone had a little something going on. Even the splashes of color like on Lupita or Felicity Jones weren't super bold.

And good Lord, can we just appreciate Lupita Nyong'o for like a brief moment. That women is a national treasure. Her skin is so flawless, her makeup is so subtle but sooooo pretty. She's such a breath of fresh air for me. In a sea of similar colors she always sticks out (in a good way) and separates herself. I hope Hollywood doesn't crush her, genuinely. I want her to be happy all the time. I just want good things for her.


But like anything in the world, there were a few times I was very upset.

And here's my very small rant.

Again, Guiliana Ranic? Again with this nude lip? Really bitch?

I will say this, at least her tan is slightly better. It's not nearly as orange-y as usual.

BUT THAT CONTOUR, GIRL. YOU ONLY WEIGH 4 POUNDS, STOP CONTOURING.

At least her nude lip has the tiniest bit of pink so it doesn't look exactly like her tan and therefore giving her no mouth in the slightest.

BUT HERE'S WHERE MY BEEF LIES.

She posted this picture earlier saying she was getting ready for the Globes and I was fucking pumped. That picture is amazing. Her dark lip, the sideswept hair. I just. IT'S SO GOOD. And then she shows up in the nude lip and the bullshit loose waves everyone else did and I just lost it.

DON'T BE A TEASE.

She literally has 800 commercial breaks and I'm assuming someone on staff who's job is literally to reapply lipstick and powder away the shine- why did she not go for the bold lip? Why won't you just make me happy, G? Why?

And speaking of weird ass tans.

I felt like a LOT of people got tans for the event and didn't rinse it off after. There was a sea of orange tans. It was kind of insane. I know sometimes the photographers use filters or yellow lights because it usually is more flattering but this is definitely a tanning issue. 

And to make matters worse, I don't know who was in charge of the A/C at the event, but EVERYONE was sweating like crazy. I mean it was insane. At one point Kristin Wiig looked like she was melting on stage and when it panned to the audience, she wasn't the only one. EVERYONE was sweating and that's when the tans became super obvious. It was kind of that "oh shit" moment.

People, get the tan the day before and rinse off the morning of. Tanning 101 here.




But really, with all the dresses and makeup and hair looks, it was kind of the height of glamour for me personally. It felt like everyone looked like the best and most amazing version of themselves. It wasn't too trendy or crazy, it wasn't too messy (like last year, wtf) and even though mostly everyone did a version of the messy wave hair, it still felt SO intentional.

Although, the Hollywood waves guys- I hope that becomes a thing. I want that all the time for everyone always forever.


So to sum it all up:

Retro trends for hair and makeup.

Silver, red, and rhinestones all day every day.

Wear head to toe butterflies if you want to get made fun of (by me).


If you missed the Globes, they are replaying today and of course you can catch all the dress action online. Or if you are like me, you're gonna watch Fashion Police and yell at Guiliana Rancic wearing nude lipstick for the billionth time.

-SamanthaK