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Hair Appliance Arsenal

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It’s no secret that I’m fairly inept when it comes to hairstyling. Fairly might be generous, even. Sometimes, I get the idea that I can do things to my hair. Sometimes it comes out alright. Here’s what comprises my Hair Appliance Arsenal. Don’t worry – I’m not going to tell you that you need a $400 NuMe set.

conairdryer

This 1875 watt Conair dryer has been mentioned on the blog before – and although it’s an inexpensive model, it gets the job done for me. My hair is somewhere between medium and fine in texture, there’s a lot of it, and it’s long. It is lightweight, so I don’t find my arms tired before the work is done. This is the MVP of my hair appliance arsenal; even though I don’t particularly enjoy blow drying my hair, I hate having wet hair in the winter more…so it sees the most use.

Hair Appliance Arsenal - Hot Tools 1.25" Classic Iron

I love my Hot Tools 1.25″ iron. It’s sturdy and reliable – heats quickly, works well, hasn’t ruined my hair. It’s fairly easy for me to use despite my embarrassingly low dexterity and whatnot. No buttons or internet in this guy, and that’s just fine – fewer components to get angry with you.

Hair Appliance Arsenal - ISO 5P Interchangeable Wand Set

For my birthday, my husband got me this ISO 5P curling wand set with interchangeable barrels. It’s really cool, I’m just still a bit clumsy with it (but I’m getting better!). I wish the tips of the barrels were inert/cool-touch/not heated because I keep thinking to grab it like a classic iron (I’ve avoided injury so far, but I’m not confident I’ll remain so lucky). You ought to wear a heatproof glove with using this unless you’re really experienced with these – because even if you aren’t inclined to steady the wand by grabbing the end, you might brush your knuckles or something while twirling your hair around the barrel. Also, it takes a little while to heat up, so you do need to give yourself some extra time.

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2015 Holiday Gift Guide – Under 50

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If you’re looking to spend up to $50 on beauty gifts, I’m keeping the gift guides going – here are some gift ideas in the Under $50 range.
 udallnighterduo

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray Duo, $39

Normally $30 for one, this is a pair of full-sized UD All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray. I picked up one of these and split it with a friend during Sephora’s VIB sale, but still $39 for two is a great price. Anyone who needs their makeup to last a little longer (who doesn’t?) can benefit from this.

burberrykisses

Burberry Kisses Lipstick, $33

Want to give a little luxe? Britain’s iconic, classic luxury brand has an outstanding makeup line. The chic packaging of the product is pretty enough, but this particular lipstick comes in 28 shades. All you need to do is decide to get a color your recipient will wear and enjoy all the time, or something more preferable for special occasions.

loracpros

 

LORAC PRO and PRO 2, $42 each

The LORAC PRO was my first palette, and then I purchased, swatched, and reviewed the LORAC PRO Palette 2 when it came out. From the standpoint of owning both, they would both make great gifts for someone starting out or who has an established collection.

More of the 2015 Holiday Gift Guide – Under $50 after the jump

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2015 Holiday Gift Guide – Under 25

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Those of you in the United States, I hope you had a delightful Thanksgiving. I’m still working on my tryptophan coma. No, I did not go shopping yesterday (I vehemently disagree with shopping on Thanksgiving). No, I did not line up or go shopping today (as someone who, in a past life, worked Black Friday at a big-box store… never).

ANYWAY. The $25 and under price point is where value really starts to kick in. Admittedly, I was wanting to add most of these to my own cart (especially the candles & Black Honey set!) – but I’m on a bit of a no-buy for myself for the time being.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide – Under $25

LORAC Pocket PRO and Pocket PRO2, $18 ea

I’ve hosted giveaways for each of these, because, frankly, they’re a great sampling from their big sister palettes, LORAC PRO and LORAC PRO 2 (which I also reviewed & gave away). They’re a great value, and a nice way to expose someone to prestige-quality products without busting your own budget. Quite stuffable, as far as stockings are concerned, too.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide – Under 25

Primal Elements Santa’s Cookies, $20

This one is the scent of warm cookies (side note, who’s ready to put those holiday baking skills to the test?!) and it is divine. Really, practically anything from Primal Elements. I found Primal Elements years and years ago – Ulta.com actually carried some of their smaller candles on their site back then. I picked up a small pair of their Tahitian Vanilla candles – the’re so unique, a blend of wax and that weird, fun-colored jelly-goo… and they smell amazing. Most of the candles in my house are Yankee due to the sheer accessibility and price-point, but I’d say Primal Elements candles are my true candle love.

More of my 2015 Holiday Gift Guide – Under 25 after the jump…

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2015 Holiday Gift Guide – Under 15

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I’ve thrown out some things here-and-there that could make decent gifts, but I haven’t set out to make a whole guide. But because I’m a skeptic, I have to look past the enticing glittery packaging.

Maybe you’re looking for gifts for your friends or family. Maybe it’s a gift exchange with a coworker you don’t know so well. If you need to stuff a stocking, too, there’s a lot of good ideas in the 2015 Holiday Gift Guide – Under $15.

Also, before we get into the list – if you’re in the United States, don’t go shopping tomorrow. It’s a dick move. Tomorrow is a day for a lot of things, and shopping isn’t one of them. Happy Thanksgiving!

wetbrush

The Wet Brush, $9

I’ve sung the praises of this brush, and even gave one away. If your recipient that has hair that requires brushing, this is a win.

Turbie Twist Stock Photo

Turbie Twist, $12.50, pack of 2

Keeping to the theme of haircare, this is something I think many people (at this point) might not buy for themselves (because of the understandable As Seen on TV stigma). That said, it is an inexpensive, practical beauty tool that I’m really satisfied with. If you wanted to make this part of a larger gift solution, maybe pair it with a leave-in treatment and a facial masque.

More after the jump…

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Worth it? Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Clay Mask

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I’ve used Queen Helene Mint Julep mask on-and-off for over ten years – every time I would change, I’d find myself going back to it. It was reliable, refreshing, and whipped my skin into shape. Aztec Healing Clay is no doubt effective (and I still have a ton!), but it is a labor to remove, and it isn’t convenient to mix or apply – but it’s also pretty intense. It doesn’t really irritate my skin, but it isn’t something I’d do right before going out.

Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Clay Mask
Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Clay Mask

I’ve been wanting a gentler approach. I still want clay masks, but I’m longing for the long-discontinued one (got2b Pure Intent kaolin clay mask). I found this Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Clay Mask at Ulta and gave it a shot. You might have noticed that it wound up in my October 2015 Favorites post last week.

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