You Too Can Do

Monday, November 17, 2014

An Update: 8/1/14

I can’t even tell you I’ve been busy lately- because really that’s only half true. This month was just kind of a struggle for me.

Between the consistent 105 degree days, the fact that everyone was on vacation, and the slow month at work- I was just not having it.

But I did work-

Sarah’s (right) color in particular was pretty fun for me. I love reds- and this time she was like “weird blonde/orange highlights” and I was like, “Yes”.

And weirdly enough, a lot of my time was spent on my makeup kit- consolidating, cleaning up, de-potting, etc. I replaced a lot of things and finally upgraded just a little bit.

I really needed to, considering I’m doing a few weddings in the next couple of months.

And then Stephanie has been really big on practicing lately. So she did my makeup and it looked fly.

For an hour.

I was so mad, my skin is difficult to work with- which makes my life a living hell. A foundation will look amazing for about an hour and then usually it will either start to come off, flake away, slide off- whatever. And despite switching skin care, actively taking care of my skin, and trying to stay on top of it- my skin just decides whether or not it’s feeling like foundation is a good idea.

Kett foundations in particular- it hates. Which is disappointing because I use it for all my brides and they look great all day and I don’t get the same luxury. Story of my life lately.

Katey has been modeling a lot for me as well- which is nice. I don’t get to do much fun styling lately. Usually clients want the blow out and they’re done. Katey lets me curl her hair a lot so I’ve been rolling with it. (This one was for a party she was going to).

Then I got the nail art bug again and was working on some Green Bay Packers nails for my in-laws (who are all insanely devoted fans). Then I was like, “I need to blow off some steam” so I made an entire nail wheel of super heros (mostly Marvel), much to Roger’s delight. He ended up sitting with me and giving me a lot of ideas for different heroes (which explains Deadpool and Venom making an appearance).

(For the nerds out there, starting at the top and going clockwise it’s- Punisher, another Punisher, 2 comic “pow” arts, Black Widow, Nick Fury, Green Lantern, Thor’s hammer, Hulk, The Flash, Iron Man (arc reactor), Iron Man’s helmet, Deadpool, Spiderman, X-men, Captain America, Vemon and Wonder Woman.)

I think the Iron Man ones with the gems as his arc reactor is pretty great.

I was bummed though because right after I finished this wheel my mom was like, “Why are you using polish for the art parts? I have delta paints you can use.”

…Thanks mom, where were you 2 hours ago?

I included this just because I thought it was funny. Skylar tagged me in a Stop, Drop and Selfie tag and at the moment, I was standing in front of the fridge eating cheese in my underwear.

If this doesn’t explain my whole world in one picture, I don’t even know.

Then I did more hair. Molly said bangs, I gave Taylor Swift bangs.

A lot of errand running this month.

Then for fun, I did Katey’s makeup and hair. I don’t know what happened here. It was like, Game of Thrones Warrior Princess.

Makeup was nice though. She looks good in gold.

And then my treat to myself was the new Urban Decay Pulp Fiction palette. It’s amazing, I can’t even tell you. It’s the perfect neutral combinations I use almost every day and it’s the perfect size for travel. I was really pumped to use it.

A full review will come soon, I promise.

-SamanthaK

The Vinegar Rinse (this post is kind of gross, just saying.)

You Too Can Do: The Vinegar Rinse

(Doesn’t that sound like a weird 90’s dance or something?)

HI EVERYONE.

Sorry for being MIA lately. (Missing, not the singer. Don’t get it twisted).

I won’t lie, I’m going through some things right now. Grown-up, fearing my mortality and mortgage bills things.

But I wanted to hop on and show you something I’ve been doing lately that’s been really helping my hair- especially with the 108 California heat we’ve been experiencing for the last like, 8 weeks.

This is for anyone who experiences the following in their hair:

Dandruff, dryness, breakage, flyaways, split ends, product build up, tangles, dullness, color fading, musky smell, itchy scalp…

Did I get everyone?

My point is, anyone can use this.

BUT FOR THE SAKE OF THIS BLOG, I will tell you my secrets.

I have horrible, crazy itchy dandruff. It’s just something I’ve always had. I am dry from head to toe no matter how much water I drink, how many moisturizers I use, or what oils I slather on myself. My skin is like, “IT’S NEVER ENOUGH” and then flips over tables like on Housewives of New Jersey and starts Hulk-smashing stuff.

It’s a tough life.

So once in awhile (when Roger isn’t home, cause oh my God, could you imagine?) I do a vinegar treatment for my scalp and then give the rest of my hair a vinegar rinse to give shine, take away the buildup, and really seal my hair’s cuticle.

For the science people out there- here’s how it works.

The acids and enzymes in vinegar (for hair purposes, I like Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar) actually kill “bottle bacillus”- which can cause a lot of scalp issues (dandruff, hair loss, itchy scalp, etc). The bacteria clogs follicles and creates those adorable little snowflakes on your shoulders.

As for the vinegar rinse- each strand of hair is covered in little scales that cover and protect- A LOT like bark on a tree. When we don’t treat our hair right (use shampoos with an alkaline pH, skip conditioners, crazy amounts of lightener *I’m looking at your blondie*) the bark starts to lift up and split. (This is breakage and split ends, people). So the vinegar balances the pH in your hair (hair naturally is slightly acidic, did you know that?), and by laying down the cuticle or “tree bark” of your hair- it gives off that pretty shine, seals in color better, and aids in reducing the amount of breakage in strands.

Cool right?

For the non-science people (like me): Your hair will be healthier, shinier, and won’t be weighed down.

Ok, SO LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS (to defeat the huns):

STEP ONE: (optional, this is mostly for people with dandruff like me)

Apply apple cider vinegar with a cotton ball directly onto your scalp. I like parting my hair into 4 big sections and then work my way through each section so I get my whole scalp.

It’s going to tingle and give off a slightly itchy feeling- that’s totally normal. If you feel BURNING however, dilute the vinegar with some water.

Apply vinegar with a cotton ball directly on your scalp.

Apply vinegar with a cotton ball to your scalp.

I like to go back through spots that are flaky or extra itchy. GROSS, RIGHT? I'M DOING THIS FOR YOU.

STEP TWO: Mix up your vinegar rinse- conditioner, vinegar, and a little water. I like to use a bottle with a long nozzle so I can really get around my scalp. (I have thick hair).

Mix conditioner, vinegar, and a little water into a bottle with a nozzle.

Apply the mix all over- scalp to ends. Make sure everything is saturated. (I like applying all this to dry hair because I want it to absorb more. You can totally apply this wet while in the shower in place of your normal conditioner and leave it on for like 3 minutes for a quick boost).

Apply your vinegar rinse all over your hair until saturated.

Now, hang out and try to leave it on as long as possible before you’re tired of smelling like an Easter egg. I wrap up in a towel to keep the smell down. I WILL SAY THOUGH, the vinegar and conditioner mix isn’t bad at all. It’s actually kind of an invigorating smell.

Try to let your hair sit with the mix as long as possible.

For frame of reference, I keep mine on for a half hour just because I do have really bad dandruff and I like to give it time to work. 15-20 minutes is probably better if you’re JUST doing the rinse, or you’re just using the whole process for a small job.

I mostly just drink coffee and hang around the house watching Pulp Fiction.

I don’t have any after pictures to show you the comparison, because usually after a mask or treatment, I like to let my hair air dry.

HOWEVER, there’s some really great before and afters on the internet and Pinterest.

AND, there’s some really great other vinegar rinse recipes on Pinterest as well.

I’m a fan of mine cause it’s all stuff I already have around and I don’t need to buy anything to make it.

Hope you enjoy your new, beautiful, healthy scalp (and also that Easter egg smell in your bathroom).

-SamanthaK

The Most Disgusting Thing Our Government Can Do (and how you can help)

Look, it’s not often I get on a political soap box and rant. Let’s be totally honest here, I’m not even democrat or republic. I’m text-book “towing the line” but when it comes to my job, and my clients’ safety- that’s where I start drawing lines and picking sides.

Nothing, and I mean nothing, disgusts me more than someone who offers cosmetology based services without a license.

And look, I understand sometimes having your friend curl or braid your hair is totally fun and is pretty much the basis of all slumber parties-

-But I’m talking about coloring, perming, cutting, or frankly anything that involves something with the skin, hair and nails of a person.

There’s a reason you have to go to a cosmetology school and spend 1600 hours to even ATTEMPT to get your license, and there’s a reason for going to State Board to prove that you’re worthy of having a license.

Cosmetology schools and State Board not only test your knowledge of HOW to cut hair and HOW to apply color- but you also have somewhere around 400 hours of JUST sanitation and client safety. Any time someone in a cosmo school touches your head, there are a handful of teachers breathing down their necks JUST TO REMIND THEM to have proper sanitation and how to prevent a disease outbreak.

And State Board you ask? That’s 99% all about client safety. You have to prove that you aren’t irresponsible. You have to prove that you know what you’re doing and that you aren’t going to harm another human being.

So, you’re probably asking why I’m all fired up right now. And I’ll tell you-

It’s because the government is talking about de-regulating licensing procedures.

Meaning, you don’t need a license to do hair.

Do you know how disgusting that is to me? That means anyone off the street, who decides like, “Hey, hairdressing, that sounds fun/easy- I’ll do that” is going to be in charge of potentially dangerous chemicals and applying them the incorrect way ON A PERSON.

And I think what’s more alarming is that clients will attempt to go to someone like that because it’s cheaper, easier, etc and they’re going to be risking their safety and health because someone decided to make a quick buck.

That is disgusting.

You know what happens when someone doesn’t clean out their foot soak spas, combs, or double dips in a wax pot?

Google: flesh eating disease nail salon

Go ahead, I’ll wait.

If that doesn’t scare you into looking into salon cleanliness, I don’t know what will.

But tell you what, here’s a link to my favorite person in the whole world, Tabatha Coffey (star of Tabatha’s Salon Takeover on Bravo), talking about the subject in depth:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151472361104587

Like she says in the video, you can visit http://probeauty.org/yoursafetyfirst/ to see what’s happening, sign petitions, etc. (Plus, if you fill out the “I am a professional, I am licensed” movement form, they’ll send you info on how to educate your clients and a sticker for your car. Cool right?)

So look, the sheer amount of hours I put into school learning client safety and protection as well as sanitation to earn my license is absolutely invaluable. Learning to do hair is one thing, but learning proper sanitation is the first defense against spreading disease and infections. Working on a client without that training and that license is completely irresponsible.

If the government decides to remove the need for licensing, the number of infections will go substantially up. Licensed hairdressers know how to identify things like scabies and lice- but unlicensed hairdressers don’t. Take away licenses and you’re going to see horrific outbreaks.

Clients should know that their hairstylist has been through proper training and that they’d dedicated numerous hours to studying how to keep their client safe. It’s important to know that when they pay money, they’re not only paying for a quality service- but a safe one as well.

I love keeping my clients safe and happy. I understand if I’m too expensive for you, or I live too far from you, but PLEASE DO NOT see an unlicensed hair dresser.

If you’re not sure if your hairdresser is licensed, you can go to http://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/consumers/index.shtml and on the list of things you can do as a consumer, you can click “verify a license”. You can look the person up by name, the city they live in, whatever. In addition you validating a license, you can also view infractions they have yet to take care of. If they got fined for a client safety issue, you’ll see it.

I want you to be safe, whether you’re a professional or a client and I would hate to see something like this happen and ruin hairdressing for everyone.

Please sign the petition and spread the word. It’s time to educate ourselves on safety and really push to keep our industry license regulated.

-SamanthaK

Makeup Starter Kit: Beginners

Yeah, I remember the days of first getting into makeup. I sported eyeliner pandas would be jealous of, and never wore blush or lipstick.

(This was the early 2000’s, mind you, when everything was about eyeliner- nothing else.)

When I was still in high school, the drugstore was a bit of a mine-field. Everything pretty much sucked, or really only worked for someone who had warm, oil prone skin.

Which, I think we all know does not describe me.

But the drugstore now is such a pleasure to explore. Now that top dollar companies are realizing that more and more people are running for the affordable prices, they’re starting to really bulk up.

However, when I was looking through Pinterest, I came across one of those “build a deluxe makeup kit for under $100″ pictures… and the products they were pushing were seriously terrible. I could have easily googled any one of them and found a 99% thumbs down situation. And the “kit” only had like 6 things in it!

Honestly, I think I can make you a better and more extensive kit for $100.

So, my readers, watchers and stalkers- let me show you a whole new world. *cue the Disney music*

The Face:

I will say this is probably the most difficult section in the drugstore. The options there are normally for normal to oily skin types and drugstore foundations tend to lean a bit yellow to cover a bigger skin color demographic- BUT HAVE NO FEAR DRY/PALE ONES

Because the Revlon Colorstay Whipped creme makeup foundation is pretty great.

It retails around $12, making it one of the pricier ones- but it’s great. It’s very creamy, easy to blend and I would say the coverage is medium but it isn’t crazy cakey.

For my oily skin friends you might want to try Revlon’s Colorstay Foundation for combo/oily skin.

Because of it’s formulation, it’s already going to be leaps and bounds more helpful for those with oily skin.

TOTAL SO FAR: $12

Blush:

I am such a big time fan of ELF blushes from Target (technically drugstore, shush).

They actually have a pretty good color range that keeps expanding and they have a great blush/bronzer duo that is a great dupe for NARS’ Orgasm and Laguna. They retail for $3! So cheap! I have like 5 of them!

If you’re looking for a cream blush, try the new Maybelline Master Glaze cream blush sticks. I have 2 or 3 of these and they are so easy to work with. You just apply them right onto your face, fingers, or brush and apply. It kind of has a gel consistency, which is really cool and gives it a slippery texture. These retail between $8-9, depending on where you go.

TOTAL SO FAR: $20

Bronzer:

My favorite, favorite, favorite, is the cream bronzers from Sonia Kashuk

Retailing at $11, these are super creamy, comes in a couple different shades and colors, and looks so incredibly natural. (This is also a very very very inexpensive dupe for Chanel’s Tan de Soliel cream bronzer).

I won’t even give another option- that’s how much I love this stuff.

TOTAL SO FAR: $31

Concealers:

I’m a big fan of the Maybelline Age Rewind concealers

This retails around $8-9 (again, depending on where you go) and this has such a nice consistency. It’s not too thin, not too thick, and you even have the sponge attached to help blend if you’re the type that uses sponges. (I prefer my fingers, but hey, I’m not your mom- do what you want.)

This concealer also comes in a “highlighter” color and that is the bomb. It is the bomb.com.

Otherwise, NYX carries a concealer pot and it comes in a handful of colors and they also have primer versions. These are $5.

TOTAL SO FAR: $40

Setting Powders:

I’m only going to recommend the ELF HD powder. Yes it’s loose, but honestly for $6- it’s an exact dupe of the Makeup Forever HD powder and it’s awesome and it works.

Otherwise, if you’re looking for a powder foundation, or something else that has color coverage- the NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat powders.

The finish on this powder is sooooo nice. It definitely has that illuminated feel without looking like a damn oil slick.

This is around $10, but it lasts forever.

TOTAL SO FAR: $50

Brows:

Do yourself a favor, buy the Maybelline Define-a-brow pencil and be done. These are awesome. The pencil is so skinny it can get into tight areas and create a much more natural look. Honestly, they’re 5 bucks and totally worth it. Don’t even bother looking around.

And if your brows get squirrley- you can get the Maybelline clear mascara and lay them hairs down.

TOTAL SO FAR: $60

Eyes:

Wet n’ Wild has awesome palettes. The pigmentation is crazy and they’re only $5 for all these colors.

They also have sets of 3 for $3.

Or singles for $1.99.

I mean really, so crazy, buy 3 palettes- buy ALL THE PALETTES.

Liners:

Jordana 24hr Made To Last Eyeliners.

Do it. They are literally Urban Decay’s 24/7 pencils and they cost $2.50.

Mascara:

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara- $3

Hands down, best drugstore mascara I’ve ever tried. I use it on myself, brides, friends, prom girls- EVERYONE.

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara Black — photo from walgreens.com

TOTAL SO FAR: around $75 (depending on how many shadows you bought)

And lastly, lips- and frankly, this is where the drugstore has the most and best options- and right now you literally have another $25 in the budget.

Here are my favorites right now:

Revlon Moisture Stains- $10

This is the most interesting lip balm/gloss/stain I’ve ever used. You first apply it and you’re like, “Oh, ew, this is thick as hell” and then suddenly it begins to feel like a really great, thick balm. Then the longer it sits- the longer the stain settles. After you eat lunch- IT’S STILL THERE. Such a cool product.

Neutrogena Moisture Sticks- $8

These are pretty standard, I mean, nothing to write home about. However, they smell good, look good, and come in lots of colors. My lips always feel really hydrated when I use these. (My favorite color is the one below called Papaya).

Dr. Pepper Chapstick by Lipsmackers- $2

Don’t even make fun of me on this one. Anyone who has used this knows how awesome it is. It smells good, and has literally the nicest color that looks good on everyone. Plus, boyfriends love this. Trust me.

So I hope that helped you narrow down the drugstore a little. I know it can be overwhealming but I promise I will do my best to never lead you astray in the isles.

If nothing else, CVS, Walgreens, and Ulta all have really great return policies.

-SamanthaK