Why Clarify?

As most of you know, I am a HUGE fan of big hair, which means I'm also a fan of hairspray...

 I get SO many questions about how I get my hairstyles to hold. The techniques are simple to learn, but the products are tricky to remove. I was always taught in hair school to not use more than 4 products when working on a client... the only problem is they never said that about myself! I use a ton of product in my hair. And even if you don't use a ton of product in your hair, if you aren't using a salon quality shampoo and conditioner, the cheaper ingredients could be causing you to have build-up that you didn't even know existed! Build-up can present itself in many forms. Sometimes, it can look like flakes of dandruff, or little white "bumps" on your hair strands, or even a waxy coating. There are as million different Pinterest remedies, but the only thing, that I can professionally suggest is a clarifying shampoo. 

A clarifying shampoo basically does the same thing to your hair that a detox does for your body. You shouldn't use them religiously, but once in awhile, they are necessary. Clarifying shampoos aren't formulated to be used for every shampoo. For instance, if you shampoo your hair 4 times a week, only one of those shampoos should be with a clarifying shampoo. The less product you use, the less product build-up you will have (duh!) so you will need to clarify less.

For my girls with brightly colored hair [raises hand] you need to pay close attention to the brand and ingredients of your clarifying shampoo. Sulfates fade out any color, but especially vivid or bright colors.

My two favorite clarifying shampoos are Unite "Weekender" and ColorProof "Clear It Up."  Both of these shampoos are gentle enough to use, even on colored hair. I especially like the formulas for both of these brands. They are extremely concentrated , so a little bit goes a LONG way. 

2015 FAVORITES.

I don't know about you, but one of my biggest guilty pleasures is watching "Favorites" videos on YouTube. There is just something wonderful about a whole year's worth of STUFF being reviewed that feeds my soul. I decided I wanted to share with you guys some of my favorite things from this past year, since I KNOW I can't be the only one who gets lost in the big world of all things beauty.

1. Unite Eurotherapy.

This is a salon exclusive line of hair care products that we carry in my salon. These products are truly LIFE CHANGING! From the shampoos to the volume spray, there is not one flop in the whole bunch. If you're looking for an amazing styling product, they've got it. If you're looking for a great shampoo, they've got it. You just cannot go wrong with any of their products! I'll be doing in depth reviews on individual products in the future, so be on the look out ;)

2. Kat Von D "Shade & Light" Palette.

If you love matte neutrals, look no further! I feel like this palette kind of gets the shaft in light of the "Naked" craze. I personally own 2 Urban Decay Naked palettes and I can honestly say that I prefer this palette. There are 3 shadows at the top of the palette that are triple the size of the rest, so i haven't even hit pan yet and I have had it for close to 8 months. The only thing i will say that is negative about these eye shadows is that they tend to be dusty, so make sure you tap your brush and use a good primer.

3. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara- Carbon Black.

This is my HOLY-GRAIL mascara! No matter how many mascaras I try out, this is always the mascara I go back to. Its the blackest mascara that you can find at the drugstore. It doesn't flake or burn my eyes. I think I could probably write a few pages on the pro's of this product, but, really, you should just run to your nearest Walgreen's or Walmart and go get you one!

4. Bath & Body Works Candles!!!

I don't really think I need to go in depth about these too much, but OH-EM-GEE. If you haven't caught on to the candle craze, what are you waiting for?!? B&BW is consistently coming out with new scents. Between the new scents and the coupons, I totally understand why they have such a big following. My top 3 favorite scents are: Black tie, Leaves & Marshmallow Fireside. 

5. Sonia Kashuk Makeup Brushes.

I got a limited edition set of her brushes a few months ago and have fallen in love! The quality is amazing for the price. My particular set is a mixture of both eye and face brushes and they all get used! Usually I don't stray from my Real Techniques and Sephora brushes, but, in this case, I'm VERY glad I did.

6. R&CO Death Valley Dry Shampoo.

I went to a hair show in September and got a goody bag filled with travel size products to test out. This was one of the products from R&CO, a salon exclusive line that is fairly new. I didn't honestly have high hopes for this product. I thought it would be mediocre, at best, solely base on its "hipster" packaging. BOY WAS I WRONG! This is hands-down, my favorite NEW [to me] hair product of 2015. Its lightly scented, so its not offensive, but it's also not super chalky so it doesn't really leave a cast of white on my oh, so dark hair. Death Valley gets a 10 out of 10 in my book!

7. Elizabeth & James Nirvana [Black] Perfume.

Do you ever go into Sephora and kind of roll your eyes at the 100 point perks? I know I usually do, but sometime last year they had this roller-ball as a perk and it peaked my interest. If I had to describe this scent to you [which is a lot harder than one would think] I would say it's feminine, but musky at the same time and sweet, yet also woodsy. My all-time favorite perfume is Angel, so if you're a fan of that, you'd probably love this.

8. Candy Cane Chapstick.

I know this product seems goofy, but it's been a staple in my purse for years. A couple years ago, I was in Walmart with my mom, shopping for stocking stuffers, when I saw this in the checkout. I didn't think much of it, considering it was, after all, "just chap-stick." So, she grabbed a few to throw in our stockings. Once I used it the first time, I had to go find more. That year, I bought about 10 tubes. I know, ridiculous, but they only put it on shelves during the holiday season and i did not want to run out. Every year I stock up and if you ever try it, you will understand why.

9. Hot Tools Extended Barrel Curling Iron.

Obviously, I am a hairstylist, so tools are a big part of my world. One of my good friends has a Beachwaver [its basically a curling iron that has a rotating barrel] and I love it, so when I saw that Hot Tools (my favorite curling irons) came out with an extended barrel, kind of like the beachwaver, only manual, I was stoked! It is awesome for long hair, but I even use it on myself [medium length bob] to get perfect beach waves.

10. Forever 21 Earring sets.

Ok, I know this isn't really "beauty" related, but I have been LOVING these this past year! Whether it's studs or hoops, Forever 21 has what you're looking for, I promise. I like the fact that I can complete a look and not have to spend an arm and a leg. I'm a big fan of "disposable" jewelry, because I like to try to stay on trend and it can get expensive if you go to boutiques for your jewelry. I highly recommend F21 for jewelry even if you don't shop there for clothes.

I'd love to hear about some of YOUR favorite things!

-Brittany

Hi, im new here!

Hi there! Thank you for checking out my blog! I am so excited to begin this new adventure with all of you! Id be lying if I said I wasn't a little  it nervous about this first post, so please hang in there with me... i promise this journey is going to Be AMAZING! 

--So, why, then, did I decide to start up my very own blog, you ask?

-I feel like I need a platform to teach all of my clients (and friends & family out of state) about my personal favorites in all things beauty.

-I can post hair and makeup tips and tricks and show you all step-by-step how to create fun and easy looks for yourself after you leave the salon.

-To help boost even one woman's self confidence.

-To hear feedback from you guys about what products you love or hate.

I will hopefully be posting a few times a week, so sign up to get email alerts whenever I post something new! SEE YOU ALL SOON!

-Brittany.