As a woman of color, sometimes finding makeup is a less than ideal task. Sometimes, finding foundation to perfectly match your skin tone perfectly means going between oranges, yellows, pinks, and other colors that nowhere near compliment your skin tone. Adding in being an Asian woman can sometimes extend the confusion for products as not all brands have traditionally created products for the demographic.

However, with that being said, now with more options available than ever before, brands like Fenty Beauty and Loreal for instance, are working to ensure that they fill the void with diverse product lines. Hoping to assist with the potential makeup blunders, we spoke with six influential Asian women about some of their favorite beauty products, tips for finding the perfect foundation, and some of their favorite beauty tips:

 

Jenn Im

YouTube Personality

 

As an Asian woman, what have been some of the challenges you have experienced with finding makeup that matches your skin-tone and compliments your skin?

 

In the past, I struggled to find a perfect foundation for my skin tone. A lot of them were too pink for my yellow undertones. These days, I don’t have that problem because of the extended color ranges that most products have.

 

Have you found any brands or products that work the best on your skin? If so, which products are those?

 

My favorite is SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence. I’m going on five years using the product. I apply it two times a day, and I find that it’s been great at keeping the wrinkles at bay.

 

What are some of your must-have beauty products?

 

I love Colourpop eyeshadows. I love how pigmented they are and they add a great pop of color on the eyes.

 

What are some of the beauty trends you are most looking forward to for the spring and summer months?

 

I’m excited for bold lips and a minimal eye.

 

What are some of your beauty tips that you can share with readers?

 

Don’t be afraid to try out bold beauty trends. Life is about having fun and taking risks. At the end of the day, it all comes off so it doesn’t matter.

 

SHOP HER FAVORITES

 

 

 

Kate Ogata

Beauty and Fashion Blogger

 

As an Asian woman, what have been some of the challenges you have experienced with picking makeup to match your skin tone that compliments your skin?

 

Although I have yellow undertones, the redness around my nose can be a struggle to conceal without looking too ghostly white. I have combination skin so finding products to control my oil while also hydrating the rest of my face can be challenging.

 

Have you found any brands or products that work the best on your skin? If so, which products?

 

Since my skin veers on the oily side, I tend to avoid products that produce a dewy look. After applying Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, I mattify my face with bareMinerals bareSkin Perfecting Veil Finishing Powder. This compact does wonders! It smooths fine lines and reflects light (great for days when you know you’ll be in front of the camera). It also absorbs oil and keeps my makeup in place.

 

What are some of your holy grail makeup products?

 

It took me awhile to find the perfect eyebrow pencil shade — most appear too orange on my skin. The Makeup Forever Eyebrow Pencil in 50 Brown is on the cooler side—think charcoal hues, which matches my natural hair color. Since I’m a creature of habit, I have one shade of lipstick I wear every day: Matte Hughes Liquid Lipstick in “Committed” from theBalm. It stays put after eating and drinking and is the perfect neutral for everyday wear.

 

What are some of the beauty trends you are most looking forward to for the spring and summer months?

 

I’ve been really into water themed products like TATCHA’s Water Cream. It’s moisturizing without feeling sticky or greasy. It sinks into my skin while also shrinking my pores. It’s on the pricier side, but a little goes a long way. This lightweight formula will be the perfect amount of hydration throughout the warmer months.

 

What are some of your beauty tips you can share with readers?

 

I get so excited to try new skincare trends, but sometimes I go overboard. I tend to try all the trends at once which can really irritate my skin. Be sure to incorporate new products slowly into your day-to-day so you can see if they’re compatible with your skin. If you have a skincare routine that works for you — stick with it! You know what they say: if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

 

SHOP HER FAVORITES

 

 

 

 

Jane Ko

Food & Travel Blogger

 

As an Asian woman, what have been some of the challenges you have experienced with picking makeup to match your tone and compliments your skin?

 

Foundation has always been a struggle because of the pink undertones, and my Asian skin is oily so trying to find a foundation that’ll last throughout the day has been a challenge.

 

Have you found any brands or products that you think work the best on your skin? If so, which products are those?

 

My current go-to makeup products are:

LANCÔME Teint Idole Ultra Long Wear Foundation – I prefer using a foundation brush versus a sponge to apply this foundation for an even finish. 

Glossier Invisible Shield Sunscreen – to me, the best sunscreen is the sunscreen you’re willing to wear. I love Glossier’s sunscreen because it’s a gel formula and doesn’t feel heavy on my skin.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer gives great coverage without any creasing.  

Urban Decay Sin Eyeshadow – I’ve used this for 4 years in the inner corners of my eyes to make them pop!

L’oréal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner – I’ve used this every day for 6 years!

Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer – My go-to bronzer to define my cheeks.

 

What are some of the beauty trends you are most looking forward to for the spring and summer months?

 

Coral lipsticks and a dewy foundation look.

 

What are some of your favorite beauty tips that you can share with readers?

 

To make my small Asian eyes bigger, I use a felt tip liquid eyeliner to draw a cat eye, Urban Decay Sin eyeshadow in the inner corners, and false eyelashes. I also wasn’t blessed with full eyebrows, so instead of filling them in every morning, I got microblading and it’s changed my life!

 

SHOP HER FAVORITES

 

 

 

 

Soothing Sista

YouTube Personality

 

As an Asian woman, what have been some of the challenges you have experienced with picking makeup to match your tone and compliments your skin?

 

I need makeup with yellow undertones, but a lot of foundations and concealers tend to have pink undertones or oxidize — so finding a good match can be challenging at times. I do feel though that in the last few years, there has been a boom in foundation options, and fewer and fewer foundations oxidize on the skin. What I am really always on the search for is a matte foundation with light coverage! I like having my real skin show through, but I also need a matte finish because I am an oily girl!

 

Have you found any brands or products that you think work the best on your skin? If so, which products are those?

 

In terms of skincare, Kate Somerville and Dr. Jart+ really get along well with my skin. If I am having a breakout, I love using the Kate Somerville Eradikate Spot Treatment. I love the whole Cicapair collection by Dr. Jart+ – it’s great for sensitive skin or irritated skin!

 

What are some of your go-to beauty products?

 

I can’t live without the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, and my highlight obsession, the Artist Couture x Jackie Aina Diamond Glow Powder Highlighter in La Peach!

 

What are some of the beauty trends you are most looking forward to for the spring and summer months?

 

I’m super happy the minimal makeup look is gaining popularity. I love a very light, shimmery makeup application – light face makeup, a shimmery/glittery eye, and a sheer gloss is so chic to me. To be honest, it’s a look I like year round.

 

What are some of your beauty tips you can share with readers?

 

Drink lots of water and sleep well! If I don’t do those two things, not only is my skin not happy, my makeup never looks as good. Dehydration and lack of sleep are two things you really can’t cover up!!

 

SHOP HER FAVORITES

 

 

 

 

Weylie Hoang

YouTube Personality

 

What have been some of your makeup challenges as an Asian woman?

 

During my early stages of playing with makeup, it was a bit challenging to find makeup to match my skin tone. My skin tone varies from light to light-medium with yellow undertones. Ten years ago when I started wearing foundation, I struggled finding the right undertone because most foundations in the drugstore had a peach/neutral undertone. Luckily today, many brands have improved their shade-range and I’m able to find my perfect match in most beauty brands.

 

Have you found any brands that work best on your skin, and if so, what products? 

 

Some of my favorite beauty brands include Hourglass, Marc Jacobs, and Too Faced Cosmetics. I’m currently loving the Marc Jacobs Shameless Foundation! It’s extremely long lasting and they have so many shades to choose from.

 

What are some of your go-to beauty products? 

 

Some of my go-to beauty products include my e.l.f. X Weylie Hoang lashes and my Pixi Dimensional Eye Creator Kit. These are products I use almost every day and I love that they are so affordable! As for skincare, my favorite product would be Curology. I’ve been using it for a few months now and my acne prone skin has cleared up tremendously!

 

What are some of the beauty trends you are most looking forward to in upcoming spring/summer months? 

 

I’m loving dewy, glowy skin! As an oily girl, I was always afraid of glowy, dewy makeup because I thought it would break me out or melt off. However, I’ve learned that by moisturizing properly and by using the right foundation and setting powder, oily skin types can achieve dewy skin! I love the natural eye look and dewy skin combination. It looks so fresh and effortless! 

 

What are some of your favorite beauty tips?

 

My best beauty tip would be to always remove your makeup at the end of the day. I used to be so lazy when it came to removing my makeup at night. I definitely saw my skin suffering because I did not allow my skin to breathe. It is so crucial to cleanse your skin and moisturize before bed. Drinking water and eating your fruits and vegetables is also a huge one! I truly believe healthy skin starts from the inside!

 

SHOP HER FAVORITES

 

 

 

 

Joanna Vongphoumy

YouTube Personality

 

As an Asian woman, what have been some of the challenges you have experienced with picking makeup to match your tone and compliments your skin?

 

As an Asian woman, finding makeup, especially foundations and concealers with the right undertone for my skin has always been the most challenging. I find that most Asians have a yellow or olive undertone, and growing up, there has normally been lack of colors that targeted those undertones.

 

Have you found any brands or products that you think work the best on your skin? If so, which products are those?

 

Fenty Beauty is the first brand that I’ve tried where the undertone from the Pro Filtr foundation was just right. Fenty catered to all skin tones coming out with 40 shades with different undertones, so I have the confidence that anyone will be able to find their foundation shade within this line.  The Fenty Beauty Pro Filtr Foundation is great for full coverage but can be a bit drying since it is matte and I normally have dry skin. I find the Loreal Infallible Foundation line is great, they have the Pro Glo (normal to dry skin) and the Pro matte (normal to oily). What’s great about these foundations is that they have a large shade range, both types give medium to full coverage, and it’s very affordable.

My current obsession, though, is the Covergirl Tru Blend Matte Made Foundation. Covergirl came out with 40 shades, making sure to target many skin colors and their undertones. Just like with Fenty Beauty, I was easily able to pick a shade off from the chart they provided. It’s affordable and the foundation feels light with full coverage and the best part is it dries to a natural finish.

 

What are some of your go-to beauty products?

 

My go-to products are: (1) Tarte Timeless Clean Slate Primer–this is perfect for people who have enlarged pores. (2) Iconic London Liquid Illuminator. I love wearing this highlight with and without foundation and it’s best applied with a beauty sponge. (3) Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil. This glides on easily onto the brows and can be used to give a natural look or your bold “Instagram Brow.” (4) MAC Fix + Spray was great for priming skin before makeup and setting after makeup, plus it can be used to enhance your eyeshadow or highlight.

 

What are some of the beauty trends you are most looking forward to for the spring and summer months?

 

I feel like this year it has all been about skin and skin care, having that youthful natural look. Natural or no makeup makeup has always been my favorite, it’s quick, easy, and feels nice and light. Don’t get me wrong, I love a full face make up beat, but realistically no one has time to always spend an hour doing makeup before school or work.

Faux freckles are something that I’m a fan of.  I have always thought freckles were a beautiful feature that I didn’t even realize people were actually made fun of for them, so it’s nice to see a lot of people embracing that part of them. As I said before, looking youthful and natural is such a big trend this year, and freckles definitely give that look. People do faux freckles because it gives a beautiful sun-kissed look.

Another trend I look forward to for the spring and summer is the use of bright colors on either the face, eyes, or lips. Less contouring and more blush will give warmth and color back to the face. I’ve really been loving the colors yellow and orange on the eyes lately because its so fun and vibrant, and if you ever wanna keep your look simple but stand out a bright bold lip will do just fine.

 

What are some of your favorite beauty tips?

 

I always like to say less is more. Instead of two or even three layers of foundation, try one layer and spot conceal with your foundation or a concealer. This way your makeup looks fresher and less cakey. Plus it will feel lightweight and more comfortable to wear throughout the day. If you like to wear false lashes I always recommend lining both your top water line and top lash line with a black or dark brown eye pencil or eyeshadow. This is going to really blend in your flash lashes with your real lashes making it look as natural as possible.

 

SHOP HER FAVORITES

 

 

 

 

Chanda Stacker

Fashion & Food Blogger

 

As an Asian woman, what have been some of the challenges you have experienced with picking makeup to match your tone and compliments your skin?

 

I identify as both Asian and African American and my skin tone is naturally tan with warm undertones. In the warmer months, I also tan very quickly. “Medium” shades are either too light or too dark for my skin tone, so in the past, I’ve had to mix and match. Luckily, 99% of the time I don’t wear foundation and have actually found that tinted moisturizers are best for what I need in terms of coverage.  

 

What brands or products do you find work the best on your skin?

 

I’ve been using the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Gel Cream ever since it first came out a few years ago. It’s not too heavy and provides just the right amount of coverage needed for my skin. I wear the shade “Spice” (#8).

 

What are your must-have beauty products?

 

I’m a skin-first kind of gal, so I am a firm believer in skincare. A few of my favorites are Pur-lisse Blue Lotus Balancing Moisturizer and Biossance Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel. Of course, I love playing with makeup. I try quite a few products each month, but these are my standard go-to’s: Kevin Aucoin’s Celestial Highlighting Powder in Starlight, Benefit’s Bronzer in Hoola (a long-time favorite!), Stila’s Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso and Juice Beauty’s Mascara.

 

What are some of the beauty trends you are most looking forward to for the spring and summer months?

 

I’ve been really into dewy, fresh-faced looks a la Nam Vo. Think glossy lids and soft pink lips. I also am very into the bright blue eyeshadow and eyeliner looks. I don’t know if I’m daring enough yet to do a full blue lid, but I can definitely do warm copper lid contrasted with a bright teal liner.

 

What are some of your favorite beauty tips?

 

Never skip the sunscreen. I wear sunscreen every time I leave the house – even if it’s gloomy out in SF — which is almost all of the time. Similarly, never go to bed without taking your makeup off! I double cleanse at night (oil and water-based cleanser) to really make sure I am taking everything off. I also highly recommend alcohol-free toners. It seems like an unnecessary step at first, but if you double cleanse, it’s a great step to reset and rehydrate skin. I wear mascara and eyeliner pretty much every day, so at night, I also make sure to give my eyes some love with eye cream to help fight against lines.

 

SHOP HER FAVORITES

 

 

 

 

What beauty products have you found to be amazing for your Asian skin?

The post 7 Asian Women Spill Their Favorite Beauty Brands & Products appeared first on The Everygirl.

Raise your hand if you haven’t thought much about your scalp lately. By my very official calculations, most of us devote time to scalp care approximately once for every 100 gusts of dry shampoo and 30 minutes ruminating over conditioner options at Sephora. For anyone who experiences legitimate scalp issues, like dandruff or dermatitis, the response is likely a different one. But when your scalp is well-behaved—“normal” even—it’s easy to forget about it.

The hair/scalp connection

I asked Nunzio Saviano, a stylist and the owner of Nunzio Saviano Salon in New York City, about scalp health. Here’s what he told me about the connection between our hair and the skin from whence it grows: “Caring for your scalp means caring for your hair. When you do, it will be healthier, shinier and fuller,” he says. “If you ignore your scalp, your hair can look dull and lifeless. Residue from styling products like hairspray, gel, and dry shampoo clogs the follicles, trapping dead skin to the scalp and slowing down circulation necessary for healthy hair.”

Exfoliation with a scrub or clarifying treatment helps to get rid of this buildup, which means that anything put on the scalp will penetrate better. Treat your scalp the way you would your skin, with its type and tendencies in mind. Just as oily skin loves a toner, oily scalps will benefit from a product that minimizes sebum. Removing dead skin helps to balance drier scalps. And even those that fall into the normal category should do an occasional detox from environmental debris and product buildup.

 

 

Choosing a scalp product

Saviano suggests choosing products with soothing ingredients, like coconut oil or coconut water, along with menthol, rosemary, and salicylic acid to invigorate and exfoliate the scalp. At the salon, ask for a deep scalp massage—or even a rough shampoo. You know the kind!—to amp up circulation.

 

Our favorite products to give your scalp some attention

 

 

The post Why You Should Be Using a Scalp Product—and Which Ones to Try appeared first on The Everygirl.

As much as I love the sunshine, the beach and every rooftop bar in sight, the maintenance that comes with summer is not my favorite thing in the world. Shaving, for me, is basically the worst of it. First of all, it takes FOREVER. I personally choose to shave my legs, arms, and bikini line in the summer, so I’m basically in the shower for three hours on a shaving day. Then, I’m sick of shaving for so long, so I skimp and rush and end up cutting myself, making my shower a bloody mess. Shaving doesn’t necessarily have to be a giant production. We’ve rounded up our favorite tips to save you time, stress, and band-aids.

 

Have The Right Tools

 

Don’t Be Afraid of Men’s Razors

 

As much as I love my favorite Venus razor, sometimes I just want something that will do the job a little quicker and more efficiently. That’s where a men’s razor comes in. The blades in a men’s razor are packed a little tighter than in women’s razors. Think about it: men sometimes have some thick beard hair, and this thing is meant to go on their faces. They need something powerful but also gentle and nick-proof. Men’s razors can also be easier to use, as they’re meant to navigate the contours of the face. It’ll glide perfectly around the knees and ankles.

The Best Razor for Travel

 

Disposable razors can be fine, but this razor is a lifesaver when I’m traveling or just need to shave under my arms quick before a night out. I thought it might be really gimmicky at first, but this razor has changed my life. Surrounding the blades is a cream made of coconut milk and almond oil that eliminates any need for shaving cream (seriously, it’s magic). The four blades get a close shave, and the design is so easy to glide across the skin. You need this.

Shave your bikini area right

 

This razor is GENIUS for the bikini area. One side is a five-blade razor that works beautifully on your legs and underarms as well. The real magic is in the other end of the razor though, which is a built-in trimmer that can be used in the shower. Shaving my bikini area used to be an hour-long event, but with this, I’m out the door and heading to the beach ASAP.

Exfoliate!

This is a pretty well-known tip, but it has to be said. I do this every time I shave, and not only does it make my skin feel like a baby’s bottom, but it gets rid of all that dead skin that’s preventing me from getting the closest shave. My favorite method to exfoliating is using a sugar scrub because it’s quick, easy and makes the least mess.

Shave at the end of your shower

Since I first learned how to shave my legs, I’ve been shaving as I leave my conditioner on for the 2-3 minutes the package says. However, one of the best tips I’ve learned (especially for shaving my bikini area!) is to have my shaving be the last step in my shower. The hot water and steam from your shower are slowly opening up your pores and cleansing the top layer of your skin, so shaving when the steam has had a chance to do its thing makes sure you’re getting as close as possible to the hair follicles. It also makes sure there’s absolutely no dead skin, dirt or grime that could be clogging the razor which could eventually dull the blades quicker than normal.

 

No shaving cream? Put down the soap

Soap is the WORST thing you can use if you want soft skin after the shave. Not only is soap a lot more drying on the skin, generally a body soap contains ingredients that will dull the blades on your razor. Conditioner, coconut oil, a thick body cream or body oil work so much better in a pinch, without the risk of ingrown hairs, nicks, and cuts. When you do have shaving cream, I say go for one that’s thick in consistency rather than in a gel formula. Those generally moisturize while you shave, leaving you extra soft. 

Shave downward first, then upward

Every single shaving tip I have ever read is to shave in the direction of the hair growth. Does anyone actually do that?! Not me. Instead, I begin by shaving in the direction of the hair growth, and then I’ll do some strokes with the razor moving upward. This actually does prevent some of the irritation that comes with shaving against the grain while actually getting rid of some of the hair.

 

Shave east to west on your knees

The number one place I’m prone to accidentally cutting myself with my razor is my knees. The key, however, to getting the closest shave on your knees is to shave in multiple directions rather than just up and down. Make sure if you’re shaving east to west that your knee is bent to prevent any nicks. Then, straighten your knee and shave in the direction of the hair growth to get any strays you might have missed.

 

Short strokes to help from cutting yourself

Another way to prevent cuts is just simply by going more slowly. Rather than shaving all the way up the leg in one swipe, shave in short strokes. This also helps you catch every last hair and prevents you from having to go back and do more strokes with causes irritation.

 

Post-Shower

Sanitize your razors

Keeping your razors clean is key to making sure they last long (get your money’s worth!), and then you’re not putting something covered in bacteria onto your skin. Gross. This starts right after you finish shaving by making sure to hold your razor under hot water for about 5-10 seconds, making sure there isn’t hair stuck in any of the blades. You can also rinse with some rubbing alcohol to make sure the blades are sterilized. Then, make sure you dry your razor with a towel, toilet paper or paper towel. If water sticks to the blades, it can cause them to rust which we definitely don’t want. In a hurry? Hit it with your blow dryer.

 

Moisturize IMMEDIATELY

As soon as I get out of the shower on a shave day, my arms, legs and bikini area are immediately covered in a thick cream that will reduce the redness, prevent itchiness and smooth my skin. Moisturizing the skin right after a shave adds the moisture back into the skin that you took away from all the exfoliation. My favorite trick is to use an in-shower lotion right after I turn my water off, and then I top it with my favorite body moisturizer. You’ll be glowing.

 

Prevent razor burn

Razor burn is the WORST. Way to kill my post-shave vibe. (You know what I’m talking about right?! The feeling after you shave when you feel like you just accomplished the biggest task on your to-do list and your skin is so smooth you just want everyone to touch it?) My favorite way to prevent this is with a little bit of tea tree oil. Not only is tea tree oil incredible for acne, it’s antiseptic and antibiotic properties can alleviate irritation from your shave. Rub a small amount on the areas you’re prone to razor burn right after the shave before you moisturize, and you should be smooth sailing.

 

Protect from the sun

Don’t let the post-shave high distract you from this crucial step. After shaving, your skin is supple, exfoliated and your pores are ready to take on the day. Therefore, your skin is really sensitive to the sun. I know you know to put sunscreen on your face, but it’s just as important on the rest of your bod.

 

Store your blades

The bathroom is the most humid, bacteria collecting area of your home, and the last thing you need are your razor blades collecting any of that. The easy way to store blades is in a zippered bag away from any type of moisture, but you could also opt to keep them out of the bathroom altogether.

 

If all else fails – laser hair removal!

I wish I could say the temptation of laser hair removal doesn’t get to me. Yes, shaving is inexpensive and relatively easy, but sometimes, you just need the reassurance that you’ll never have to shave your bikini line again.

READ: Everything You Need to Know If You’re Thinking of Getting Laser Hair Removal

 

How do you get the most out of your shave?? Tell us your tips below!

 

NOW SHOW OFF THOSE GORGEOUS LEGS GIRL

 

The post 15 Shaving Secrets to Help You Survive Summer appeared first on The Everygirl.

I’m a sucker for a good Outfits of the Week post. Getting a glimpse at what someone wears Monday-Friday not only gives an insight into their style but also their career and how their daily life might differ from my own. I’m so into fashion and make-up that my hair game has taken an unfortunate turn for the worst in the last few years. I tell myself I don’t have the time or the products or the skill to give my hair the attention it needs and deserves.

One of our favorite fashion bloggers (and previous Everygirl Intern!), Jess Keys of The Golden Girl, knows that you don’t have to be a pro to have amazing hair (and that she does!). Jess took us through a week in her life, all through the eyes of her favorite hairstyles and discusses her favorite products, why you need a good dry shampoo in your life ASAP, and her go-to workout styles.

 

So let’s start at the beginning — how often do you wash and style your hair?

 

I try to go three days in between washes, but I’ve been trying to stretch it to four – really depends on what I have going on that week and how presentable I need to look on a given day. I try to let it air-dry as much as I can and only use hot tools when I’m planning to do a photoshoot or if I’m going out somewhere special (like date night on Saturday, for example!) Otherwise, it’s au natural!

 

 

We’ve seen on your Instagram stories that you’ve been testing different hacks to extend your style between washes. What have you learned? What has worked versus what hasn’t?

 

Yes! I have loved sharing my experience on Instagram stories because I learn SO MUCH from my readers. It’s one of my favorite parts of blogging, being part of such an active community and sharing so many great tips with one another!

Anyway, here are some of the best tips I’ve learned from trial and error and through my Instagram fam’s collective savviness on the subject:

 

Blow-dry just the roots

When you wash your hair, let your hair air dry as much as possible, but, if you hit the roots (just the roots, because, you know, hair dryer = damage so you want to minimize as much as possible – I generally avoid blow dryers as much as possible, but this part I’ve bent the rules for) with the blow-drier for a hot second and get your roots dry (we’re talking, like, just the top half-inch to inch of your hair) then it REALLY helps to combat grease. This really makes an incredible difference in setting your hair up to be less greasy.

 

Use a shower cap

I don’t know why I just dismissed the idea of using a shower cap for the first 29-odd years of life – maybe because my mom had this grandma yellow one that she used to use all the time that scarred me – but the idea occurred to me to give it another go, so I asked my readers which kind they liked best, and this version won by a landslide! It really helps combat frizz, because even if my hair doesn’t get wet in the shower, it does get crazy from the steam. I also like that it’s actually cute and definitely not your mom’s 80’s-tastic shower cap!

 

Dry shampoo before bed

Of course, you use it after to help soak up existing grease, but where dry shampoo truly shines is in its preventative effects – it’s great to spray on before you go to bed! You’ll wake up with more voluminous bedhead and it’s amazing. My favorite brands are Living Proof and Bumble and Bumble’s Pret a Powder.

 

 

Are you loyal to any particular shampoo/conditioner combination?

 

I love beautycounter’s daily shampoo and conditioner. It’s sulfate-free (but actually lathers really nicely – which is the downfall of a lot of sulfate-free shampoos) and has none of the bad stuff! The conditioner is super moisturizing and I finger-comb my hair in the shower with conditioner in and don’t touch it afterword.

Pro Tip: Don’t comb it or brush it out before you air-dry, this will make it too frizzy – using your fingers is enough to detangle without creating frizz, and the conditioner makes it easy to do without pulling your hair out!

 

What do you do with your hair at the gym? How do you refresh your hair after a workout?

 

I spray dry shampoo on my roots and hairline before I work out – this really helps to keep it looking fresh throughout my workout! The Invisibobble No-Crease hair bands work great, too! Make sure to take your hair down right after your workout – spray a little more dry shampoo, and then hit it with a blow dryer at the roots again if you need to.

 

 

What tools are you working with in your bathroom?

 

My curling iron and hair dryer are definitely worth the investment – I use the T3 Whirl Wand—buy the base + barrel separately. I use the 1” wand about 99% of the time.  I’ve had so many people message me after they tried my curling iron and say they were so skeptical at first but that it’s really worth the money. It curls your hair so fast and the curls really do hold! 

Pro Tip: Make sure you lower the heat settings though, I only use it on the third one – it gets SO. HOT. You don’t want to damage your hair!

While I usually try to avoid blow-drying my hair, sometimes it’s unavoidable, and the T3 gets the job done quickly. It’s super fancy and has a bunch of different heat settings so you can minimize heat damage, and I notice less frizz when I use this one versus cheaper versions (like the ones in hotels whenever I travel. Woof!) It’s also super lightweight and really small so it doesn’t make your arm tired and also fits easily in your suitcase!

 

 

 

You’re known for having long, gorgeous waves on Instagram. What’s your everyday curling technique, and how do you get them to hold?

 

My trick is to spray your hair before you curl it, brush it out (note, I only brush my hair with a brush if I’m going to curl it – not if I’m going to air-dry it!) and then curl about 1.5” sections away from your face. Hold it for a few seconds, then catch the curl and pin it with some alligator clips. Let the curl cool, then remove. Tousle with fingers and then finish with a texture spray – my favorite is Oribe’s!

 

Be real: how often do you get your hair cut?

 

Way less than I probably should. Really like every six months. I go to Stacia at Sine Qua Non Salon – that’s one of my most frequently asked questions!

 

What are your hairstyle go-tos when you need to be out the door ASAP?

 

If my hair is dry, a quick spritz with more Oribe texture spray usually does the trick! If it’s wet, I’ll put some moisturizing cream, oil, or leave-in conditioner (Moroccanoil works great for this and it lasts FOREVER. Christophe Robin’s moisturizing cream is my ultimate favorite, but it’s a splurge!), followed some sea salt spray (this is my favorite), and put it in a side-bride and then take the braid out when it’s about 85% of the way dry so it ends up being soft and wavy.

 

 

When you’re trying to go a little easier on your hair, what are your favorite no-heat styles?

 

I’m a big proponent of the air-dried beach waves look, which I have about 80% of the time. (I have a full tutorial on how I do this on my blog!) It’s non-damaging, and I’m a big fan of the “perfectly undone” look. (My husband, Neal, lovingly refers to me as “his beautiful mess” because I am the definition of controlled chaos – he loves my air-dried hair because it suits my personality).

A high-pony or topknot are also go-to’s – all you need is about two minutes and some good bobby pins! (These are a game-changer – I can use like three and they’ll secure my whole top-knot.)

 

You’re located in Chicago – like us! What are your hair tricks for tackling the unpredictable but always windy Chicago weather?

 

Ah, yes. Chicago weather! When it’s hot, sticky, and windy, I usually go for a topknot or a low chignon, so there’s nothing to blow away in the wind! If you have flyaways, go with a chignon with a side part (so those pesky flyaways around the frame of your face are covered by your longer strands of hair!)

 

 

Best new hair related product you’ve tried this year?

 

Probably the Invisibobble hair ties. I always thought they were gimmicky but they are totally worth the hype and don’t crease your hair! Game-changers!

 

If you could only fix your hair with two items from your bathroom, what would they be?

 

Oh, that is a tough one! My t3 curling wand and Oribe Dry Texture Spray.

 

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