Summer Prep - Ulta Haul
Hey Fashionistas!
Are you all ready for the heat? No? Me either. In fact, I feel like my skin has never seen the sun...like EVER. Also, my hair seems to be confused. My roots are so greasy, yet my tips are parched...weird right? Well, after asking my hair dresser and doing some online research (Thank God for online reviews!), I found some great products that'll help my poor hair and skin. Plus! I did have to get a few other items as well. Sometimes I feel like stores purposely make you wait in line so you can look through the queue of sample-sized goodies. I'M LOOKING AT YOU SEPHORA AND ULTA. Let's dig in shall we?
My mission going into Ulta was to buy violet shampoo and a "gel-like" shampoo. As much as I wanted to stay within my mission, there are always distractions and impulses.
The first item is the Matrix Total Results High Amplify Shampoo & Conditioner (A mouthful, I know). This duo was recommended to me because it has a gel-like consistency which is supposed to help my greasy roots, but still hydrate my dry tips. I learned that a cream based consistency is too heavy for my hair. What is also great about this set is it is silicone free, which is supposed to help lift limp hair. Believe me, I had no clue what any of this meant, but after researching, this silicone free trend seems to be promising. I will be following up with my hair results soon. I bought the bigger bottles, but they have a smaller size for twelve dollars. By the way, this shampoo and conditioner smells AMAZEBALLS. Its not over powering, but it smells fresh. You all know I hate mixing scents because I'm cool like that...and have OCD.
If you are not following me on Instagram, then I would like to let you know that I am now on the blonde side. Sorry brunettes. Though, I am not completely blonde since I had my hairdresser leave my natural roots. Sometimes being a broke girl, calls for only getting a hair cut a few times a year. Since I have my natural roots, I won't be pressured to get my hair done right away. I call this "Natural Ombre". Anyway, I am LOVING this ashy-toned trend as of late! I bought a violet shampoo because I want to maintain the ash tones rather than having golden or brass tones. The first thing I read when I was researching was that some violet shampoo's turn your hands purple. I was not about that so I found Sexy Hair'sBlonde Sexy Hair Sulfate-free Bright Blonde Shampoo. I am not sure why every title is so LENGTHY, but I wanted to give you the full name just in case you are doing your own research. What's good about this product is it is sulfate, gluten, paraben and salt free. I bought the smaller bottle because I was told that you are not supposed to use this religiously. I read to only use violet shampoo one to two times a week. I personally don't like washing my hair every time I shower so I am probably going to stick to once a week. Also, the smaller bottle is significantly cheaper than the big bottle, just an FYI.
The best thing that's ever happened to me, was this mascara. I am not one to rave about a mascara especially because I am a firm believer in a good eye brow or a nice pinky nude lip...BUUUUUUT I cannot say enough about this one. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara has been working wonders on my eye lashes. I opted for the sample size because it was in that darned queue line! Also, the sample size I bought last time, lasted me a while. What really sold me on this mascara was the brush. I really did not think a mascara brush would affect me too much, but this one does. I just love the way it twists in the middle! It really catches each lash that way. I am not crazy about the name, but that's Too Faced aesthetic...so you do you Too Faced. Obviously, buying the sample size saves you money but I'm really positive it lasted as long as my other mascara's ahem, Roller Lash. It is not water proof, but I am glad because all of the water proof mascaras make my eyelashes hard as a rock. It's almost impossible to take off water proof mascara, and when I am tired I don't want to spend more than 30 seconds taking off my mascara.
The last purchase is the St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse and mitt. I have tried the regular St. Tropez tanning lotion and it did not go well, but since I still had the smoothing serum (a necessary prepping step) I thought I would give the mousse a try. I bought the smaller bottle because I was not sure how it was going to go, but I am glad I did because I think the small size will be enough tan for my skin tone. I don't want to be drastically darker, so this particular product and size is great! It is a gradual, natural looking tan. I used it with the mitt and it worked perfectly. It took approximately three minutes to dry and it is BEYOND lightweight. Really! Also, I used a dab of baby shampoo to wash the mitt and let it air dry. Easy-peesy. Also, using the mitt will prevent your hands from getting stained and I feel like it made a difference with the streak problem I faced previously. I will write a review in a couple of weeks or when I finish the bottle, but so far so good.
Well, I'd say it was a pretty good trip! How are you prepping for Summer? Let me know in the comment section below. By the way, you don't have to have a Wordpress to comment and you can also be anonymous. Just a side note.
Love,
