Summer Favorites: The Game Changers

*PR sample
 
It's been a while... But that's fine. I'm definitely a believer in the "something is better than nothing" kind of lifestyle.

This summer has been jam packed — aka I no complaints whatsoever. With so many travels as of late, I've come to find there are some specific products I'm not sure what I'd do without. Some are old, some are new, but they're all nothing less than amazing. So without further ado...

My taste in foundation hasn't really changed though I guess you could say I've gotten a bit more specific about what I like. Dewy but natural with the potential for a bit extra coverage. I like light and buildable foundations, ones that last all day and can take on California heat or harsh Scandinavian rain storms (thanks, Stockholm). Armani Luminous Silk is all of these things in one. I've talked about it before and I still love it just as much, if not a bit more.

Redken Pillow Proof is a new one for me. A hair primer that helps shave off some blow-dry time and keeps your hair looking nearly perfect for days after washing? Into it. It protects your hair from 450º heat and keeps frizz at bay. Plus, I'm obviously a sucker for that pink packaging. This is definitely a staple that I'll be keeping around for a while.

Kevin Murphy Angel Masque* has changed my hair in ways I never thought were possible. Every single time I use this stuff I love it more and more. This has essentially replaced my daily conditioner (especially because I only try to wash my hair 1-2x a week) and I'm pretty sure there's no going back. I'm almost done with this pretty little bottle and if you think I won't be purchasing, well you're wrong. This stuff is heavenly, hence the name I suppose.

These are the definite game changers of the season. The select few that have done big things and have earned a permanent spot in my beauty regimen.

What are your all-time summer favorites?

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap · $24.41

So this is kind of an unexpected post — I was originally going to review a product that's been a favorite of mine for over a year now: Redken Smooth Down Heat Glide. Then I discovered it's been discontinuted. I'm a little sad and I'll be cherishing every droplet I have in my last bottle, but hey, atleast I've still got my beloved Anti-Snap!

Redken is a brand I tend to lean towards when it comes to haircare. Everything I've tried from them over the years I've loved and though some stuff can be a bit spendy, I don't mind. Why? Well I have one huge, dry, damaged, curly afro. Yes, that's my natural hair and the reason why I spend a lot of time, effort, and money on haircare. 

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap is a leave-in treatment (kind of like a leave in conditioner) that you apply to towel dried hair before styling. What does it do? It protects from heat, helps untangle, lessens friction from brushing, and strengthens the hair while repairing the cuticles. It uses proteins and amino acids like Ceramide (a waxy lipid) to hold the cuticle together, preventing breakage and split ends. It also has proven itself to be a bit of a help in the styling department. 

I generously apply this all over my hair and brush through, focusing mid-shaft to ends and not forgetting my bangs! I usually follow up with a heat spray and blow-dry/straighten as usual. In the month or so I've been using this I've already seen a pretty big difference when it comes to the texture of my hair, namely my ends. Because I have naturally curly hair, my hair is prone to being extremely dry all the time. That means if not taken care of properly can get quite brittle — this stuff has made my ends extremely soft and helps with any tangles I have. Have I noticed any difference with breakage? Not yet.  It's too soon to tell really but I plan on using this religiously for the next few months and hopefully I can grow my curly locks a little bit longer. While I may not be Rapunzel status anytime soon, I wouldn't mind an extra inch or two!

Have you guys ever used this? What are your thoughts? What are some other Redken products you love?