Humidity Defying Hair Care

After quite a few conversations on Twitter about how I tame my mane, I've decided it's probably time to share my frizz-free secrets. Because I've lived with a curly mop on my head for  a good 24 years now, I figured I'd share some secrets and some of my favorite products to beat the ridiculous humidity.

· Use a good shampoo + conditioner. Something that is great for smoothing and hydrating, something that won't dry your hair out (so sulfate-free is your best be). Sulfates are even more awful for naturally dry and damaged hair and will leave your locks with less to be desired. The Pureology Hydrate range and the L'Oreal EverCreme range are two of my current favorites.

· Prep your hair! Seriously, this is important. What you put in your hair right after you wash it will determine how it's going to act. Aveda is the new love of my life. I've always liked their products but after switching to an Aveda salon I've been introduced to some seriously amazing things. Their Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother is 100% holy grail. It claims to protect against humidity for 12 hours (thanks to organic tapioca) but I've gotten easily 48 hours out of this stuff. It helps set your blow-out, especially when followed by a cool shot and it smells of that oh so lovely Aveda smell. It's also a heat protectant! Light Elements Smoothing Fluid helps tame any flyaways and adds a bit of shine. I sometimes mix this with my Smooth Infusion before drying my hair, but I also use it on dry hair, to protect from frizz even more.

· If/when you blow-dry, make sure your hair is completely dry. Any leftover damp areas (especially close to the root) can end up fluffing up a bit more than you'd like. Ending your blowout with a cool shot will help seal the cuticle, set the hair, and add a bit of shine.

· Style with products that will add a little texture or add a little more protection. Bumble and bumble Brilliantine is one of my all-time favorites. You can use it on wet hair to smooth your locks down or on dry hair to ruffle up a sexy bed head. For a little UV protection, conditioning, and dry action, Oribe's Soft Dry Conditioner spray* is what I've been reaching for. It's got argan oil and hydrolyzed silk to make your midshaft and ends chill out when the going gets a little tough. It's perfect on second and third day hair — freshening up and softening at all once.

· Treat it with care. It's a 10's Miracle Leave in Conditioner is my go-to at the moment. It's got heat protectant, helps control frizz, detangles, adds shine, conditions, the list goes on and on and on. I sometimes use this on wet hair but it's really awesome the night before I know I'm gonna wash my hair. I drench my ends, and in the morning when I wash it out my hair feels incredibly soft. I really do think this helps calm my curls a bit.

So basically this is what I've been doing for quite a while to keep that extra unwanted moisture + puffiness out of my hair. Most importantly I always prep, condition, and use the cool air when finishing off my hair. What seem like trivial little details are actually the biggest steps in my hair routine, especially in this 80% humidity.

Would you be interested in more haircare tips? What are some of your fail-proof frizz-proof steps?

*PR sample

FOTD: Reloving

Face: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, YSL Le Teint Touché Éclat in BD10 / Cheeks: NARS Orgasm, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle / Eyes: L'Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara, MAC Era, and MAC Patina / Lips: MAC Cut A Caper

We're having some ridiculously nice weather here in Northern California as of late. Something about the summer spring sunshine makes me want to whip out the corals and pinks and do cartwheels in the freshly cut grass — well maybe not cartwheels (just yet). But really, I get stupidly tan in summer and the way coral looks on a tanned skin highly appeals to me and my cheeks. So I thought it was time to whip out some things I haven't used in quiiiiite a long time.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is something I've been using a lot lately after forgetting over winter, oops! I love the smooth feeling that it leaves my skin with. The perfect base for foundation, voila! Touché Éclat has grazed my skin once again. I swear I will never get sick of this stuff — I'm actually repurchasing tomorrow because I've officially run out. I really do feel like it will be holy grail for me forever. 

Orgasm! Ohhhh la la!!!1!1!!11!! No but seriously I love this color and mine (as you can see) is well loved. I haven't really touched it since summertime last year but I am sooo ready to get back to wearing it. It's such a pretty coral-pink, plus I love a little pop of color right on those apples. Swept MAC's Soft & Gentle on the top of my cheekbones which you can't even see, but it's there! I'm still iffy about powder highlighters after getting the BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector, but hey. Every product needs a little lovin' now and again. 

L'Oreal Mascara that has been in heavy rotation for me as of late. Now if only I could get seriously dramatic volume with this crazy length I would have the loveliest lashes in all the land. Swiped MAC Era all over the lids (a new edition to my collection/palette) and I'm obsessed already. Patina in the crease just to add a little somthin' somethin'. Definition. EYES. All that jazz. (I forgot to add in what I used for brows but it's just my normal Anastasia Brow Wiz + Charcoal Brown by MAC)

Cut A Caper. Sound familiar? Every time MAC re-releases this color people go nuts. When they did last year, I went nuts, but for good reason. Do you see that color? Perfect bright coral perfection. This was my summer go-to last year and you bet it'll be my go-to this year. P.S. Please re-release this so I don't have to use it sparingly. xoxo.

That's it for my face of the day. Simple! What do you guys think? What are some things you love but may have forgotten about? 

FOTD: Muted Neutrals

Face: NARS Pro-Prime / YSL Touché Éclat BD10 / L'Oreal Magic Lumi concealer / MAC Margin Blush / MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in S&G

Eyes: NARS Portobello / MAC Charcoal Brown / Diorshow Iconic Mascara / Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal / MAC Teddy eyeliner

Lips: Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss in 014

Last night I went a little bit Lisa Eldridge crazy. No regrets. I'm late to the game, I know but I am ob-freakin'-sessed. I watched so many videos before bed, that this morning when I woke up I decided I wanted to recreate a look, this look to be specific. While I know it's not the same thing (and I'm not claiming it is), I put my own spin on it and made it work for me. 

For my base I started with the NARS primer and then applied YSL Touché Éclat with my fingers and blended it softly into my skin. I concealed under my eyes and around my nose with the Magic Lumi concealer. I popped a bit of Margin on the apples of my cheeks and added a touch of highlight with Soft & Gentle. I actually haven't worn Margin since my wedding day but I've rediscovered it and have fallen right back in love.

For eyes I used the darker color from Portobello all over the lid and Charcoal Brown from MAC in the crease and outer corners. I applied two coats of Diorshow Iconic to my top lashes and one to the bottom. Followed up by the nude Rimmel liner in the inner part of my waterline and Teddy on the outer part.

I finished with the Rimmel Kate Moss nude lipstick and applied it generously with a Real Techniques lip brush from the Core Collection. First time using that brush and it's sooooo awesome.

I've never ever ever worn a nude lip before, but I've got to say I'm kind of in love. I'm also loving the soft brown eyeshadow paired with the coral/orange toned blush. Not something I would normally wear together but I love the way it works. This is pretty out of my comfort zone if I'm honest as I'm really used to a bright pink or berry lip. I also went a little lighter with my brows, using Charcoal Brown and Mystery; I'm convinced!

Annnnd ta-da, that's my finished look. What do you guys think? I feel like I'll be wearing nude lips so much more now, it's actually kinda nice! Do you like these kinds of posts? If so, let me know!