Top 10 Summer Hair Products

Product Sent for Review, I Bought It, Affiliate Links



Lately, I've been very focused on trying new and different things with my hair. I've been using new products, trying to style it different ways (ok, lets be honest, in different ways to have long curls, those are my favorite), and breaking out of my usual mold by trying out balayage highlights (which look best with curled hair). In all of my experimenting, I've yet to share many of my recent favorites with you!

Luckily, for Top 10 Tuesday today, some of my favorite beauty bloggers and I are sharing our favorite hair products. My recent favorites (plus a few that I tend to keep back ups of), easily fall under the category of "if you want amazing summer hair, try these".

Read on to see what I'm in love with!

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Splurge vs Steal: How to Get Your Hair To Curl

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A few days ago I was at work, talking to my friend Christine (yes, we have the same name, it can get confusing). She has an amazing teenage daughter, D, who is beautiful. And I mean beautiful. This girl is smart, athletic, very sweet and somehow has managed to not get wrapped up in tons of teenage drama, on top of just being a stunner. I really like D., she's been over to my house even to come and get freebie beauty products.

Christine and I were talking because D. is having a hair styling issue. Her hair is quite a bit like mine, straight and silky, and it doesn't want to hold a curl at all. Christine hasn't been able to help much, mainly because Christine has that amazing curly hair that can air dry and look just perfect (I know, I hate her too). Just like me, D. wants to curl her hair, but she's been having issues keeping those curls in place for more than a few hours. They were planning an outing to the store that night to look at products to help, so Christine and I had a big hair product pow wow. I shared my favorites to add volume and keep curls, but I thought explaining everything in a blog post would be helpful for others as well.

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My Favorite Touchable Sprays For Loose Curls and Waves

I Bought It, Affiliate Links


For a while now I've been obsessing over loose waves/curls in my hair. My hair does have a small amount of wave already, but it's really only there when wet and it goes away quickly. Curling my hair is difficult because it reverts to straight. So, I use a lot of hair product!

I shared this look yesterday on Instagram. This was my quicky Thursday work day hair, and it took me less than 10 minutes to curl my hair. It looked like this pretty much all day, and today (Friday) it has loosened up some and is still pretty. I've found that the key to getting my hair to look like this really is a great finishing/texturizing/hair spray. I've been experimenting with a lot of different ones, and I get asked about these sprays by readers pretty often via email. So, I thought it was time to share the results of my investigations!

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Modern Chignon at Jason Wu Spring/Summer 2016

Let's face it, buns are nothing new. This look was created by Odile Gilbert of Kérastase Paris for the Jason Wu Spring/Sumer 2016 runway, and the idea was a modern, sleek version of the Chignon with a wet-look finish. But what really caught my eye was all of the texture in the bun itself. And luckily, the look is pretty easy to recreate yourself!

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Beauty Blogger Empties: Loving These Things and Repurchasing Them

Product Sent for Review I Bought It Myself Affiliate Links



I've been talking lately about a lot of my beauty blogger friends, and we all agreed that over the past few years, we've been cutting down on the continual product testing. Don't get me wrong, I still use a lot of new products, but I'm allowing myself longer to test them. I'm spending a lot more time with my favorite "in between" products. And while those favorites do evolve a bit over time, I'm doing a lot more repurchasing of products, and I actually have empties! I'm using products up! This was unheard of a few years ago.

So, in honor of all those discussions lately, here's a look at all of the products I've finished and am repurchasing. I'm spending my own money on all of these, despite the offers for similar (free) products. I'd rather use this salt spray than any other. I want my own eye cream, thanks!

1. iS Clinical Youth Eye Complex (at DermStore or SkinStore): This eye cream was mentioned in my Best Eye Creams from Dermatologists post, and somehow has not had it's own post though I've mentioned it a few times! It has vitamins C, E, Retinol, tons of hydration, peptides to increase collagen and it also fights dark circles. I definitely think it makes me look more awake because my concealer looks so much better over it. It is pricey, but the bottle lasted me 6 months! In my shopping cart now. (Not pregnancy safe)

2. It Cosmetics CC+ Illumination Cream (at It Cosmetics or ULTA): This is the newest CC Cream from It, they also have a more traditional (not illuminating) version. They've sent me both kinds, in various shades. Because it is a pretty full coverage product, you do need a pretty good color match. Unfortunately for me, I'm darker than the Fair shade, but much lighter than Light. So, I've bought tubes of both (depending upon what was sent to me) and I've been mixing my own. For my perfect match I need about 75% fair, 25% light. It is hydrating but not overly so for my combination skin, and I love that it is medium to full coverage with almost no blending. I'm going to continue buying 2 tubes all summer long so I can have the perfect match! (Not pregnancy safe)

3. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Treatment (at Sephora or Nordstrom, my Living Proof PhD review): This styling cream is in my hair pretty much every day now. I've already gone through 2 bottles! It is the only Living Proof product that combines their anti-frizz ingredient with the volumizing product, and it does a great job of protecting my hair from heat damage as well.

4. Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash (at Sephora and Macy's): I have a big bottle of this in my shower and another next to my sink. I used to reserve this amazing face wash for when I travel (I would hoard bottles of it from hotels), but now I just use it pretty much every day. I do rotate in other products on occasion (like the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser), but this one is my current favorite.

5. Revitalash Advanced Lash Conditioner (from Revitalash, Nordstrom or Drugstore.com): I pre-purchased 4 of these during the summer Nordie's Anniversary Sale, so they were quite the deal! It makes my lashes so long that I have to be careful with my glasses. Yes. I will not test other lash conditioners. (Not pregnancy safe)

6. Garnier Clean + Nourishing Cleansing Oil (at Drugstore.com or ULTA): I mentioned this on Monday in my Favorite Eye Makeup Removers post, I think I'm on my 4th or 5th bottle of this cleanser already. It's meant to be used just as a facial cleanser, but I use it with a cotton round to easily remove all of my eye makeup. It does leave an oily mess behind, I clean that up with the Bliss Face Wash.

7. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara (at Too Faced or Sephora): I've lost track of how many tubes of this stuff I've gone through!

8. Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Precision Glide Eyeliner (at Elizabeth Arden) and the Beautiful Color Smoky Eyes Pencil (at Elizabeth Arden): These are currently my 2 go-to eye liner pencils. They're well pigmented, smudge just right into my lash line and won't budge all day.

9. Kerastase Spray à Porter (at Kerastase or Birchbox): This is my go-to salt spray. Others are ok, but this one just really works for me. It adds just enough texture that my hair holds styles and it doesn't feel sticky! How did I live without this??

10. Kerastase Bain Chroma Riche Shampoo & Masque Chroma Riche (at Kerastase): Their shampoo and conditioner for color treated, dry or damaged hair. I've discovered that it really is worth it, and if you watch carefully these products come up on Rue La La about every 6-8 weeks, so you should never have to pay full price! I've found that for some reason the shampoo is really the key to a great hair day for me, I use it every other shampoo (I still get those good hair days!). I buy the big, salon size, and I use the super intense hair mask (the regular conditioner is now not so helpful... I go with the masque!)


What have you used up recently? I had a lot of empties this month. So, I'm currently filling shopping carts all over the web!


Product Sent for Review I Bought It Myself Affiliate Links
I feel the need to explain this disclosure a bit more. A few of these items were originally sent by PR, like the Revitalash (which was sent years ago, but I've repurchased so many times that I've lost count), the Kerastase spray was sent, the Living Proof and It Cosmetics sent me the CC+ Cream but I don't actually match any of it so I mix 2 together (and I like it so much that I've repurchased 2 colors a few times). So yes, stuff was sent, but I've been spending my own money!

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The Best of Kerastase: Yes, It Is Worth It

Product Sent for Review I Bought It Myself Affiliate Links



I'm not sure how this happened, but over the last few years or so... I've become obsessed with one of the most expensive hair care brands out there. It started when I bought some shampoo and conditioner on Rue La La a few years ago. I noticed that with the shampoo and conditioner, my hair was easier to style. I actually got comments on Facebook pictures about my hair being shiny (completely ignoring the new baby in those pics), must have been some good hair! I had a tub of hair masque that I'd break out when really necessary. That little tub was babied for years, and it always gave me a week of good hair days. When I ran out, I was sad. I bought other salon brand products and they were good, and I enjoyed them. But there was always a bit of regret. They weren't Kerastase.

Suddenly, Kerastase started showing up on my doorstep (gasp!) I have no idea how that happened, but I had styling products! Mousse! Hair Spray! And best of all... a sea salt spray. The only one that has ever really worked well for my hair. When Kerastase started showing up semi-regularly on Rue La La, I started buying big bottles of shampoo and more masque. I repurchased products. I started stocking up in case I ran out. And I found myself saying no to testing other products.

So, my name is Christine... and I am a Kerastase addict. And these are my favorites!

1. Réflection Bain Chroma Riche (at Birchbox): This shampoo is the real secret to the good hair days. I've found that as long as I use this shampoo (a shine enhancing shampoo for color treated hair like mine), my hair is healthier, dries faster and styling is easier. When possible, I buy the very large, salon exclusive size from Rue La La.

2. Fondant Chroma Captive (at Birchbox): This lightweight conditioner is the "everyday" conditioner that I usually pair with the shampoo. It is hydrating without weighing down my hair.

3. Réflection Masque Chroma Riche (at Birchbox): The intensive mask that I was previously hoarding, I now use it about once a week. While I often just swap it out for my daily conditioner, it really does work better when I take a few extra minutes to towel dry my hair a bit after shampooing, then apply and rinse out after 10 minutes or so.

4. Spray Volumifique (at Kerastase): This spray adds shine, softens hair and can really help add a lot of volume! I don't use it often, but I like to reach for it when I know I'm styling my hair and want volume.

5. Nectar Thermique (at Birchbox): A light lotion that I'll use on damp hair when my hair is feeling dry. It add hydration, helps fight damage and protects from heat damage.

6. Ciment Thermique (at Birchbox): Let's face it, sometimes we all over do it with heat styling, and our hair suffers. When my hair is looking damaged and I need to head to the salon for a trim, I break out this lotion. It helps with the damaged areas, and helps to protect from further damage.

7. Spray À Porter (at Birchbox): The first sea salt spray to work for me, this is really the key product for when I curl my hair. I use about 8-10 sprays throughout my hair when it is wet. It gives my hair just the right amount of texture and holds the curls in place much longer.

8. Mousse Bouffante (Kerastase): If I want really big, Texas worthy hair with some hold, then this is the mousse I reach for. Don't overdo it, about the size of an egg is all that my hair can handle.

9. Laque Dentelle (at Kerastase): This is my current favorite hair spray! It has flexible hold but really does a great job of working all day long despite any humidity. I'm on my second can already.

An InLinkz Link-up

Product Sent for Review I Bought It Myself Affiliate Links

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Super Sleek Hair on the Runway! Kérastase and Odile Gilbert at The Row Spring/Summer 2015

As simple as this hair looks, I kind of doubted that it was completely straight forward. Such straight, sleek and healthy appearing hair is not something that happens overnight (and certainly not immediately before a runway show), so I fully admit that I was curious about the products used just for my own future use! What products could become a go-to when I need hair that looks sleeker.

This look was created by Odile Gilbert for Kérastase Paris, The Row Spring/Summer 2015 Show.



What You'll Need:
Baume Double Je: Half paste/half cream formula that offers medium hold and adjustable radiance
Forme Fatale: Blowdry gel with an extra-fine texture that perfectly shapes hair to give all-over volume and body that lasts
Kératine Thermique: Smooth-taming milk that instantly tames frizz and protects the hair fiber from humidity
Laque Dentelle: Micro-fine diffusion hairspray that sets all styles in place with a flexible long-lasting hold


Get The Look:
1. On damp hair, apply Kératine Thermique to smooth strands and provide heat protection

2. Using a paddle brush, blowdry hair straight

3. Section by section, apply Forme Fatale to keep hair’s shape

4. Finish with Baume Double Je to smooth flyaways and lightly mist Laque Dentelle for hold

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The Favorite Products of a Beauty Expert: Celebrity Hair Stylist Troy Peppin

Nothing to Disclose

1. Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk: I simply cannot live without this. Since it’s gentle, it’s great to on set, especially on my celebrity clients, in between washes, and for extra volume. This is truly the number 1 dry shampoo.

2. Avene Thermal Spring Water: This soothes and softens hyper sensitive skin, which I like to use after shaving. It’s great for sensitive skin.

3. Bumble and Bumble Prep Spray: It detangles hair and allows any finishing product applied on afterwards to distribute evenly. It’s great for all hair types.

4. Kevin Murphy Hair Resort Spray: It gives dry hair a loose beach wave, and wet hair more texture for a more polished blowout. It’s perfect for thin, lifeless hair.

5. Kerastase Fibre Architecte: This reconstructing serum renews damaged hair from any chemical process. It’s great for over-processed, bleached and damaged hair.

6. Davines for Wizards Universal Polishing Coat: This wax gives short haircut nice definition and a high gloss coat. I like it for thin to medium hair.

7. Serge Normant Avah Eau De Parfum: A wonderful hair parfum with notes of ylang ylang, jasmine, amber, soft woods and Jojoba, Aloe, and Vitamin E for its soft, nourishing properties. It’s great to use anytime on any hair.

8. René Furterer Vegetal Finishing Spray: Naturally sets the hair to perfectly hold any movement. Great for medium hair.

9. Glytone Mini Peel Gel: I use this myself because it treats fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin textures. I think it’s especially great for first time Glycolic Acid users.

10. Mason Pearson Boar Bristle Brush: I generally use it to brush out wet hair or hot iron sets. It’s great for fine to normal hair types.


Troy Peppin was born and raised in Minnesota, Troy spent his early twenties between Los Angeles, Paris and New York honing a distinct set of skills. His has extensive education through Vidal Sassoon and Jacque Dessange, and his true passion is in wig-making and styling. Troy’s work has been featured on the pages of Elle, GQ, Glamour and Sports Illustrated. He has collaborated with a growing list of impressive artists including Britney Spears, Kendra Wilkinson, Giuliana Rancic, and Audrina Patridge. His film and television credits include “America’s Next Top Model”, "Access Hollywood", "So You Think You Can Dance", and "E! News".

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The Favorite Products of Beauty Experts: Edward Tricomi

1. Quality Shampoo & Conditioner, Kerastase Bain Satin and Lait Vital
Think of your shampoo and conditioner as the prep work before you style. Spending a little extra for quality is well worth the splurge.

2. Hairspray, Shu Uemura Sheer Lacquer Finishing Spray
My number one must-have. Your style will hold but it still moves and is touchable. Shu Uemura makes a great one, you can layer it depending on the amount of hold you need.

3. Dry Shampoo, L'Oreal Texture Expert Fresh Dust
Great for when you want to breathe life back into your style. Sexy wavy styles will stay volumous and blowouts will last longer. No need to worry about them falling flat.

4. Blow Dry Lotion, Shu Uemura Satin Design
You need to use frizz-fighting product while the hair is still wet. A blow dry lotion provides humidity resistance, frizz-control and protects hair from heat styling, which is so important.

5. Hair Glaze, Shu Uemura Full Shimmer
Takes out the dullness. Gives beautiful shine and depth. Depending on your hair texture you can use it daily or as a weekly treatment. If hair is super fine, don’t use it more than once a week.

6. Grooming Paste or Cream, Kerastase Pate Capital Force
The best ones have great hold but are never sticky. This one makes hair look thicker and fortifies the hair. Ideal for a man who uses product daily and is noticing thinner hair. Rinses out easily so there is no added hair loss when removing it.


It's not every day that I'm able to feature a legend in hair care! Edward Tricomi is legendary for his signature dry-hair precision cutting technique and his encyclopedic knowledge of hair over the centuries. He works with countless designers and models and is a just part of the team behind Warren-Tricomi, a go-to salon in New York City.

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5 Years of Favorite Products: Kerastase Shampoo and Conditioner

This is a good hair day in a bottle(s). Seriously, using Kerastase Shampoo and Conditioner 100% guarantees that my hair will be shiny, frizz free and style perfectly. For at least 2 days.

Now, if only if it was a little bit less expensive...

Kerastase Shampoo and Conditioner

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A Guaranteed Good Hair Day: Kerastase Shampoo & Conditioner

I can not believe that I haven't posted about this shampoo and conditioner duo yet. I feel like I've started this post so many times, didn't I finish and publish it once upon a time? Apparently, no, I did not.

This duo is the answer to an amazing hair day for me. If I use them, my hair with be shiny, it will cooperate with all styling and it will be perfect for at least 2 days. Yes, really. I've never experienced such amazing hair. I started using it when my daughter was only a few months old, and I posted a picture of us together on Facebook. Instead of oohing and aahhhing over the cute baby in the pic, friends from high school, work and all over my life started talking about how shiny my hair was. The power to distract from a cute baby??? Seriously???

So yes, I love this duo. They both have a light floral scent, though I can't pick it up on my hair later. The shampoo has a great lather and the conditioner is nice and thick. They both rinse out easily without the dreaded squeaky clean that means you've stripped your hair of all the oils.

I've been hoarding this duo for "good" days. I used up the last of it this morning. Maybe if I'm a good girl Santa will bring me more for Christmas!








Kerastase

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Washing Your Hair Without Washing It: Caressing Cleansing Balm by Kerastase

Since my pregnancy last year, I've been having a bit of a hair issue. Greys are popping up. I had hoped that genetics would keep them at bay (my grandma only had a few at her temple when she died at 80, my mom just now has a few greys), but it appears that luck is not on my side. I have only a few, but it is more than I want. So, I'm doing some coloring in addition to my usual highlights. And, I'm being more protective of my color. I don't want it to fade and let the greys pop back out!

So, part of how I baby my hair is avoiding shampoo. Seriously. Washing less, and using color safe shampoo when I do, definitely helps my color last longer. Kerastase has decided to help me avoid shampoo even more with their Caressing Cleansing Balm. This product is a great alternative to the typical shampoo and conditioner duo.

Cleansing Balm comes in a pump and is thick like conditioner, with a light floral scent. It definitely feels different during use though. It has a very light foaming action and feels like you're shampooing lotion onto your head, if that makes any sense. It rinses out easily and while my hair isn't super hydrated like on "normal" days, it does feel like it has had a light conditioner on it.

On days that I've used the Cleansing Balm my hair is pretty easy to style and definitely feels fresher than if I'd skipped getting my hair wet altogether. I'm not sure it would be worth the price for everyone that colors their hair, but for those of us that need to baby our color (I'm looking at you Redheads!), this is a great option to help keep the fresh from the salon look!

Caressing Cleansing Balm by Kerastase

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