mini review: tresemme workable hairspray

I have always admired people who are talented with hair.  Over the years, I have read countless hairstyle books, watched far too many video tutorials, and made numerous attempts to do something with my hair other than straighten it with a flat iron or curl it with a curling iron. It seems that straight and curled hair are about it for me. Braids seem impossible, twists are a no, and even effortless waves seem anything but effortless. So, when it comes to hair styling products, my focus is really on protection and hold. In search of something that would address hold, it was the Workable Hairspray from TRESemme (part of The A-List Collection from the brand) that was intriguing to me. This is mostly because of the versatility. This hairspray is dual sided with both a strong hold and light hold option, making it possible to customize all sorts of different hairstyles. 

hair product haul: haircare haven beauty bundle

The relationship with my hair has been complicated lately. Now that I am needing to dye it on a semi-regular basis (thanks to the grey hairs that have decided to take over)...there have been all sorts of frustrations. Like the medium brown hair dye that I used several months back. Despite the name "medium brown," it turned my hair almost black. I was looking for something similar to my natural colour, but this was not at all similar, and the colour refused to fade. More recently, attempts have been made to address the dark colour, but the results have been mixed. All of the products used (like Color Oops) have left my hair feeling dry and looking a little frizzy. Thankfully, my mom gifted me the Haircare Haven Beauty Bundle for Easter. It includes all sorts of haircare products. As I continue to work on addressing the hair colour issue, it is important to focus on the overall condition of my hair as well. This post is a little show and tell to highlight the products included in this set. In the future, there will be a review of all the different haircare products. Ready to take a look inside? Here is everything that was included...

review: clairol root touch-up and john frieda brunette products

It has certainly been an adjustment. Dying my hair is not my favourite thing to do and I find myself feeling resentful about the grey hairs that have forced a change to my routine. For the last several months, there are a few products that I have been using to maintain my brunette status. It seemed time to share my thoughts on them, just in case anyone else is in the same boat. On that note, here are reviews on the Clairol Root Touch-Up by Natural Instincts and some hair care products from John Frieda.

changing my hair: before and after

A few months back, there was a post here on the creation of beauty is art. about my hair turning grey. I've sort of been mourning the slow loss of my natural hair colour over the last little while. Despite not wanting to make a change, it was time, because the greys had started to overpower all the rest. Today, I wanted to share a before and after (though there was a bit of a sneak peak in my St. Patrick's Day post) and talk about my experience before, during, and after the salon visit. 

a little grey hair is a small price to pay for wisdom.

I remember the first time I noticed a grey hair. That shining piece of silver stood out against a sea of brown. At the time, I was more confused than anything else. It couldn't be...could it? I was in my early 20s back then and grey hair had not occurred to me. After all, I was busy trying to figure out who I was, what I wanted, and how I envisioned my life. It was too soon for grey! Only it wasn't. Since then, the grey hairs have multiplied. I am now watching them take over. One day, in the not-so-distant future, I will make the decision to start dying my hair. To cover the greys. To hold onto the brown in some way. However, I haven't been able to take that leap yet. I am trying to hold onto my natural colour for as long as I can. For as long as I have it. 

early fall favourites (makeup, music, beauty products, and more)

Tomorrow might be the first official day of fall, but I have been in fall mode for the last several weeks. I'm talking seasonal decorations, cozy sweaters, and Halloweentown in the DVD player. The pumpkin scented wall plug ins are already on full blast in my home! In honour of this oh-so-special time of year...it made sense to share some of my early fall favourites. These are all of the things that have been assisting me with the transition from a hot and sticky summer to a crisp and clear autumn. 

review: truly unicorn mini miracle set

There is nothing wrong with a little TLC. Especially when there are bright and colourful products involved. When it comes to aesthetically pleasing items...Truly checks all the boxes. My introduction to the brand happened a few months back when their colourful lip balm proved too tempting to resist! Then, over the holiday season, my husband treated me to one of their sets so I could try some other products from the brand as well. Ready to take a look inside the Unicorn Mini Miracle Set? Here goes...

does it work?? ouai detox shampoo

Sometimes, my hair needs a little extra TLC. That has certainly been true lately! I had my hair professionally coloured for the first time not too long ago...and it's definitely been a struggle to keep it looking and feeling its best since then. I've been using colour safe shampoos, lots of conditioners, and masks. More recently? I've been putting the Ouai Detox Shampoo to the test. It is a clarifying shampoo that is designed to clear away dirt, oil, and product buildup. It is suitable for all hair types and is colour safe. Wondering how this performed? Here is everything you need to know about this high-end shampoo.

testing out a new hair product (jvn complete air dry cream)

Hair has been on my mind a lot lately. Probably because my hair was quite long and overgrown. It was uncomfortable and heavy...shapeless and difficult to tame. Clearly, a haircut was in order. I finally went and got it cut recently. I also got it coloured for the first time. (My hair is still brown, just with some lighter highlights scattered through.) Since my hair has been cut and coloured, my focus is on taking care of it in the days and weeks to come. The good news? I have been using the JVN Complete Air Dry Cream lately. The JVN line of hair care products was created by Jonathan Van Ness (who you may recognize from Queer Eye on Netflix) and it launched at the end of 2021. Since I am a fan of JVN already, it only made sense that I would want to test out some of the products. Here is everything you need to know about the Complete Air Dry Cream. 

winter skin care week: seasonal skin care tips

The winter season can be summed up in a single word: dry. The cool temperatures outside can cause your scalp to be flaky, your hair to become limp and damaged, and your skin to feel tight and uncomfortable. There is nothing worse. If you are tired of living with dryness winter after winter…you don't have to deal with it anymore. This season, it is time to say goodbye to dry once and for all. That's right...there are many different ways to ditch the winter blues and feel more comfortable this season.

new in: kendall + kylie hair accessories

My hair has been anything but beautiful lately. After a year and a half without a haircut (thanks to the pandemic and lots of safety concerns) it is downright unmanageable. Currently? My thick hair is heavy, bulky, and shapeless. It refuses to straighten completely and also refuses to hold any sort of style for long. Thankfully, there are two pieces of good news. The first? I have a hair appointment booked. I could not be more excited to have my hair look somewhat decent. Or at the very least, for my hair to be thinned a little bit. Though I am still a little nervous about heading into the salon, a haircut is long overdue. The second piece of good news? New hair accessories! These items have really been helping out my lackluster hair recently. Ready to take a closer look at the Kendall + Kylie eight piece hair accessories set? Here is everything that was included....

shea moisture manuka honey and yogurt treatment (review)

Time for a little honesty. My hair is a disaster. At this point, it has been a year and a half since my last haircut. Due to COVID-19 shut downs and restrictions where I live...it just hasn't been possible. Even during brief periods of time when salons opened back up, it did not feel comfortable or safe for me to have another person so close. Especially before vaccinations were an option. Currently, I have my first dose of the vaccine and I am anxiously waiting for my second dose. Fingers crossed it will be accessible to me before the end of the summer. In the meantime? My hair needs some serious TLC. I don't plan to visit a salon until I am fully vaccinated. So that means lots and nourishing hair care products. Like this treatment from Shea Moisture! 

nostalgic hair accessories + spring beauty favourites

Scrunchies are nothing new. They were created in the late 1980s as an alternative to the harsher metal hair ties of the time that caused breakage. Since their creation....scrunchies have become an undeniable part of popular culture. More recently? Their popularity has soared. With everything old becoming new again (nostalgia from the 90s and 00s has taken over) it has never been easier to find these cute and comfortable hair accessories. There are so many to choose from! Different colours, prints, patterns, fabrics mean scrunchies can be paired with any and all outfits. More recently? I've been making the most of these nostalgic hair accessories. In fact, I wear them almost every single day! They effortlessly add a little colour to my life. Take a peek at my current favourite scrunchies and a video overloaded with lots and lots of spring beauty favourites. 

review: infiniti premier conair hair dryer

In the middle of blow drying my hair....poof! My beloved Kardashian Beauty hair dryer stopped working. This was upsetting for a few reasons. Partly because half of my hair was still wet and partly because I really loved that hair dryer. It was something I had used for the last five years or so. Then suddenly, it was time to say so long. When it came to choosing a replacement, I was totally clueless. What did I need? What did I want? How much was I willing to spend? In the end, it was the Infiniti Premier hair dryer by Conair that entered my life. Keep reading to find out what the features are and how the hair dryer performed.

review: drybar detox brunette dry shampoo

It has been a while. A long while. The last time I went into a Sephora was back in March, well before there were any sort of social distancing measures in place. I didn't know at the time that it would be my last time setting foot inside a shopping mall for a long stretch of time. Back then, it was just another Saturday afternoon. Now? I think back and marvel at how simple things were. How easy it was to just walk around a Sephora, swatch beauty products, and purchase whatever struck my fancy. The world has certainly changed. However, on that last fateful trip to Sephora, there were a few items that I purchased. One of those items was the Drybar Detox Brunette Dry Shampoo. Immediately, I was intrigued. A dry shampoo designed for dark hair? Yes, please! Curious about how this unique hair product performs? Here is a full review of this high end item.

workout and sweat proof hairstyles to try

How are you enjoying the sunshine so far? The weather this season has been more good than bad. So take advantage of the beautiful scenery, the blue skies, and the picturesque skylines. It is time to get out there and work up a sweat! Worried about the logistics? You are not alone. When it comes to hair, it can be difficult to keep it tied back and tamed during a workout. There is nothing more frustrating than pieces of hair awkwardly sticking to your face or being temporarily blinded by your long locks during a 60 second plank. Never fear! These workout – and sweat – proof hairstyles will make sure your next outdoor adventure is a success from start to finish.

make your curls last longer.

It is always the same. Your hair is curled to perfection....when you leave the house, that is. By the time you reach your destination? Those stunning curls have fallen flat. There is nothing more frustrating. Especially when you have a special get together or dinner party to attend. Stop settling for a sub par hairstyle. These four tips will give your curls plenty of staying power. That means you can sit back, relax, and know that your ‘do is always ready for that impromptu selfie.

four ways to snag celebrity style at home.

What is it about the A-list? Our collective fascination with the rich and famous never seems to fade. From new movie releases to red carpet fashion…. the public interest in celebrities and celebrity culture cannot be denied. Do you keep up with all the latest gossip? Pick up a magazine specifically for the starlet on the cover? Check out their on and off screen style? You are not the only one. There are entire Instagram accounts devoted to what celebrities are wearing. Where they shop. Where they get their hair styled. These days, it has never been easier to achieve a celebrity inspired look at home. These tips will infuse your day with a healthy dose of Hollywood glamour.

testing out new shampoo (ogx + nicole guerriero)

This hasn't happened in a while. A long, while. A few months back....I ran out of shampoo. This was pretty shocking. Especially considering I tend to have a mini stock pile on hand. For a few days, I wound up using my husbands shampoo and whatever samples I had floating around. Thankfully, I wound up finding some limited edition shampoos on clearance. They were from the OGX collaboration with beauty YouTuber, Nicole Guerriero. This clearance bin find was exciting for a couple of reasons. One: I used to watch Nicole's channel all the time. She was actually one of the first beauty channels I ever subscribed to. Two: the line was holiday themed and I am a total Christmas addict. There were both shampoos and conditioners but seeing as I was still fully stocked on conditioner, I opted to pick up one of each shampoo. How do they smell? Do they work well? Would I buy another product from the brand? Here is everything you need to know....

living proof (perfect hair day night cap overnight perfector)

My eyes are always peeled for hair care products that are effective and easy to use. Sometimes, that can be a bit of a struggle. Especially because I am quite low maintenance when it comes to my hair. I don't want anything that is time consuming, has a lot of steps, or requires me to spend additional minutes in the shower. (Like I said...I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to hair.) There are a couple of items that have served me well on this front. For instance, the Shea Moisture Leave in Treatment that I reviewed on my YouTube channel. It was super quick and easy to use - and left my hair looking and feeling better. When I came across the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Night Cap Overnight Perfector, I hoped for a similar outcome.