­

Beauty Buzz: I’m Only Happy When It Rains

By |September 1st, 2011|Beauty Buzz|

This morning I woke up to a most pleasant surprise.  No, not breakfast in bed delivered by Brad Pitt (shirtless).  I woke up to the sound of pouring rain and skies so dark they trick you into thinking that it can’t possibly already be 9am.  The sound of the pouring rain was interrupted only by the intermittent rumble of thunder.  Now, I know some of you may be thinking, “What’s wrong with this broad?”  No, I’m not channeling Garbage and am only happy when it rains.  See, they forget to tell you about all the little things you’ll miss when you head to the West.  And when they say, “It never rains in California” it may be a slight exaggeration but even when it does rain there… it certainly doesn’t pour.  Nothing compares to the magic of an East Coast thunderstorm.

Enough lamenting.  While a good thunderstorm may be good for the soul, it sure as heck isn’t good for the hair.  Holy humidity.  I also conveniently forgot how insanely humid the East Coast is.  I had to call in the heavy artillery.

Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil Pure Treatment Oil, $24

I recently discovered Alterna’s Kendi Oil (in a sample no less!) and fell for it right away.  It is a double duty beauty product and can be used as a deep conditioner or a styling product to fight frizz as well as breakage.  I’ve tested it out both ways and I’d go ahead and skip the “deep conditioner” aspect and just use it as a styling product.  (At $24 for 1.7 oz, I’d stick with the coconut conditioner from Target).  My hair was much shinier, smoother, and in fact, stronger after just one blowout with Kendi Oil.  However, when tackling the most humid weather, I go ahead and skip the straightener and instead sport a loose braid while my hair air dries.  This is the perfect way to give your tired tresses  a rest and when the rain subsides, you’ll have waves as pretty as the sun.

xx,

WhyDid

Beauty Buzz: I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts

By |August 25th, 2011|Beauty Buzz|

Don’t get the Zazu reference? Probably need to go ahead and rent a copy of The Lion King, STAT. Anyway, while out the other day at Target (a perk of the suburban sprawl) I was picking up the necessary toiletries when I stumbled upon a packet of Palmer’s Coconut Oil Deep Conditioner. I was intrigued. Made with pure coconut milk, coconut oil, and vitamin E this little packet promised a big punch. Well, let me tell you- the best $1.69 I’ve ever spent. Seriously. I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on fancy pants deep conditioning treatments and I must admit… this bargain beauty buy held its own. Not to mention, it smells absolutely delicious. Every time I flip my hair (and I do that a lot), I’m transported to an exotic island with white sandy beaches, never ending pina coladas, and men in Speedos fanning me with palm fronds… Oh, sorry… forgot where I was.

Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Deep Conditioning Protein Pack

Coconut oil isn’t just good for you hair though. There’s a plethora of other uses for coconut oil:

  • Antibacterial
  • Antifungal
  • Emollient
  • Psoriasis relief
  • Cholesterol control
  • Weight control
  • Aids immune system
If you’re not already slathering yourself with this delicious tropical oil… well, you should be. I’ll save you a seat by the pool.
xx,
WhyDid

Beauty Buzz: A Bump in the Road

By |August 18th, 2011|Beauty Buzz|

The only thing less sexy than an Amazonian bush during bikini season is the horrifically embarrassing bumps known as ingrown hairs that can be left behind after grooming below the belt.  (Sorry, Dad. TMI?)

When I go in for my Brazilian beauty treatment, I often shrug off the “add-on’s” they push on you at the end.  How many different swipes and pads and lotions and potions does one need for her nether regions?  Well, a couple of waxes ago, I was swayed and I decided to test out PFB Vanish… mostly because I was sort of obsessed with my esthetician and would have believed anything she told me and also because it was a very simple bottle.  It looked fairly straightforward– and I like straightforward.

Basically, it’s a roll-on that you apply after showers (more or less frequently depending on how sensitive your skin is) that will prevent irritation and ingrown hairs. One reason it’s awesome?  You never have to touch the “solution” with your hands.  This particular application is very no fuss no muss.  I also noticed a serious difference by using it every other day.  I had far fewer ingrown hairs and this may be totally unrelated, but I actually think my hair has taken longer to grow back.

There are really only a few things you can do to prevent ingrown hairs in the first place, so listen up:

  • Exfoliate!! Be sure to do a little scrub-a-roo in this region when bathing.
  • Use a product with salicylic or glycolic acid (that’s where PFB comes in).
  • Do NOT pick at those pesky bumps.  This area is sensitive and picking can cause infection and even scarring.

Looks like smooth sailing to me!

xx.

WhyDid

 

Image via SkinRxClinic

Beauty Buzz: A Monthly Visit that Doesn’t Suck

By |August 11th, 2011|Beauty Buzz|

A couple of weeks ago, Stephie reminded us how truly fantastic beauty samples are.  So great, that some can even change up your entire beauty routine.  Well, it seems that she’s not the only one who realized just how valuable samples are.  Three very clever young ladies, Hayley, Katia, and Mollie, also picked up on the awesomeness that are samples.  They took beauty samples to a whole new level by creating a little something called Birch Box.

What is Birch Box you ask?  Well, other than being the best ten dollars you’ll ever spend, it’s a beauty sample delivery service that brings new and exciting products (tailored to your individual preferences/beauty needs) to your cute little “welcome” mat each and every month.  I know.  Kind of unbelievable, right?  I received my first Birch Box this week and it was like Christmas (or Hanukkah).  And to think… it’s gonna happen every month!  Kinda balances out that whole “visit from Mother Nature” thing, huh?

I have yet to try all of the samples which included:

I did try the June Jacobs masque and loved it.  My skin was fresh and glowing – as it should be.  So, if you are a beauty junkie like me and perhaps need a little monthly perk, I suggest you hightail over to BirchBox and get your very own little pink box.  It’s almost as good as being a beauty editor at Allure… and for now it’ll have to do.  (P.S. I will keep you updated as to the rest of the samples).

—Sorry, I just realized how ridiculous it is that I have not “tested out” the Twistband hair tie.  Please hold…  Works just great (no sharp metal to cause split ends) and it looks a heck of a lot cuter on your wrist than normal rubberbands. Gonna need to stock up.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Not Play Head Games?

By |August 4th, 2011|Beauty Buzz|

The summer is nearing its end, but it’s not going out without a fight.  The heat can be unbearable when trying to figure out what to wear- or what to do with your hair.  Speaking from experience, I know what type of havoc humidity and heat can wreak on one’s dome piece.  When all else fails, disguise that crazy fro with some cleverly placed hair accessories.  It will distract folks from whatever madness is going on from the neck up.

Might I suggest slopping some heavy conditioner on your fried tresses and tying them back in a sleek bun?  (I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t done this on more than one occasion).

1. Forever 21 Braided Rosette Headband, $4.80, 2. Belle Noel Honey Hexagon Hair Comb, $35, 3. Henri Bendel Debutante Studded Hair Tie, $58, 4. Urban Outfitters Studded Leather Bun Holder, $14, 5. Forever 21 Braided Peacock Feather Headwrap, $6.80, 6. Jennifer Behr Swarovski Encrusted Skinny Headband, $225

While we are all getting hyped up on hair candy, let’s not lose our heads.  You know my thoughts on feather extensions (NO) and I feel the same way about these crazy forehead straps parading as headbands.  Another rule of thumb- If Aubrey O’Day is doing it, you probably shouldn’t be.

Now go on and have a good hair day.

xx,

WhyDid

 

Photo via Elle.com