I commonly get asked what I do to maintain such a vibrant color in my hair, and what I often use.  “How do you do your hair?  What do you use?  Doesn’t it fade fast?  Who does it?” are questions that commonly pop up with people I’m just meeting, so I figured, what the heck, I’ll write a blog and let everyone know!

Firstly, I need to say I typically color my hair myself.  I often have my friend Tristan (also a cosmetologist) help with my cut, however it’s pretty simple to maintain on my own.  How I color my hair is relatively simple.  I use a level 3N all over (though I’m switching to a mixture of 1N + 4V), and apply this to the sides and back.  Here comes the difficult part.  I then proceed to foil all of the top of my hair.  This is because I use one inch of regrowth to be the dark color, then the rest is bleached out (I don’t have to lighten the ends since they are already lightened, so instead I just lighten what needs to be).  Once this is rinsed and shampooed, I apply Joico’s semi-permanent violet color to the lightened portions of hair.  I let this process for however long I feel like (it’s a conditioning color, so it is non-damaging to your hair), and then rinse with cool water.  I do not shampoo this out, in fact I typically don’t shampoo it for 24-48 hours after this is applied.

It also helps to sometimes use heat to help process your semi-permanent color.  A hair-dryer will work for doing this at home, anything to open up the cuticle and help the color penetrate.  I have another trick, but I don’t think it’s safe for anything except in a salon because if done improperly it can burn the scalp. 

Doesn’t it fade fast? To be honest, no.  I don’t have problems with Joico fading.  I also sometimes use Pravana, and again have very few issues.  These aren’t products that mass consumers can get, it’s not the stuff at Sally’s, it’s high-end color available to professionals.  I don’t think it’s necessary that semi-permanent colors be done by a professional, so I am honestly tempted to check the legality of me selling these online would be — since they are non-damaging hair color and kind of vital to own your own tube for maintenance!

I often will also wash my hair in the sink so that I can utilize the effects cold water has on my hair.  Cold water is great to wash color-treated hair in.  Heat opens the cuticle of your hair, making it more porous and allowing the color to fade.  Cold water will help to keep that cuticle sealed, and protect your color!  The kitchen sink is especially handy for this, due to the material it doesn’t stain as easily as a bathroom sink.  And let’s be honest, nobody likes cold showers.

I also use professional products for shampoo, conditioner, and styling products.  My favorite color care shampoos and conditioners are from Pureology.  Each line is specifically formulated for color-treated hair, and is very gentle.  My hair gets absurdly soft from using any of these products, which is why sometimes I switch over to using sulfate-free TIGI products (Rockaholic and Bed Head Superstar are my personal favorites).  They don’t make my hair as soft so I can actually style it, something that is necessary with my short hair!  I use a styling product that leaves the finish to my hair matte, so that it doesn’t look so greasy if I don’t shampoo it every day (which also helps with making your color last).

I like to keep a tube of the purple just in case I need to touch it up between sessions (which…. well, hasn’t happened yet).

Any other questions?  Leave them in the comments!

Readers, what is your favorite color to use for semi-permanent color?  Color and brand!  Sound off!

Lately, a lot of people have been showing how they do their daily make up look.  I figured I’d hop on the band wagon.  I’m just going to give you a basic walk through for now, seeing as I’m still a little bit ill and don’t want to put myself on camera for you at this time

Many women feel they don’t have time to do their make up every day, let me start by saying that it doesn’t take much time to do something completely simple.  Even the most minimal make up (some concealer, powder, mascara and lipgloss) can make a huge impact on your day and how you feel about yourself.  I recommend exercising this.  I’ll put alternatives next to the products I use.  These are the products that work for ME!  Just because it works for me doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll work for you!

Products I use:
Urban Decay pore perfecting primer (you can use any primer you prefer, or skip this step all together.  I do not use a primer daily)
Mirabella skin tint creme in C1 (any lightweight foundation, tinted moisturizer, or powder foundation will do.  You can always make your foundation a tinted moisturizer by mixing it with some of your own moisturizer!  This is described as full coverage, and while it excellent coverage…. I wouldn’t particularly call it full.)
Urban Decay de-slick (Any face powder to set your foundation will do.  Of course if you use powder foundation, you can skip this step if you’d like.  I love L’Oreal True Match powder, and NYC translucent setting powder as well.)
Hard Candy blush in Honeymoon (just a nice, soft natural looking blush with slight shimmer to highlight your cheeks)
NYX white eyeshadow base (or any eyeshadow base, whatever you prefer)
Bed Head white eyeshadow (this isn’t particularly white, it’s more of a bone white with shimmer.  Any shimmery nude color will do…. Pale pinks, golds and taupes are lovely here)
Bed Head big fat fun eyeliner in purple
Cover Girl LashBlastFusion mascara in blackest black (use your favorite mascara, everyone’s lashes and sensitivities are different)
Lip color…. Lip gloss, lipstain, lipstick…. It doesn’t take long to apply especially if you’re using a more nude color and not going too bold.

How I do it:
I begin by applying my face primer to the oiliest parts of my face, specifically the t-zone, and then following up by applying my foundation using my fingers or a dual fiber brush.  Apply concealer to necessary areas (if applicable, I rarely use concealer) then set with powder.  Apply blush to the apples of the cheeks.

After I’ve finished the face, I move onto the eyes.  I start by applying my eyeshadow base all over the lid.  I then use a fluffy blush to apply my Bed Head eyeshadow all over the lid and up to the brow bone.  Next, I fill in my eyebrows.  I line the outer rim of my eyes using my Bed Head liner.  Follow with a couple coats of my mascara.

Then I keep my lips simple, applying either a lipgloss or my lip stain.  Voila.  I’ve finished my daily face.  Sometimes I’ll add a little extra cream shadow in the corners of my eyes for some definition.  It’s also an easy look to take to night by adding a crease color and a black liner, so I find it superb!

Hope this helps.  Keep harassing me so I remember to film a video for you all on it!

I’ve been noticing a lot of complaints regarding the new formula of the Olay Complete Moisturizer SPF 15 for Sensitive Skin.  I have not used the new formula (one of those bottles lasts me forever of the old formula), so I wrote to Olay hearing that they were re-releasing the old formula due to so many complaints.  I thought I’d share what was written back to me, in hopes it will be helpful to fellow users.

Thanks for contacting Olay, Molly.

I’m sorry you’re having trouble finding Olay Complete Moisturizer with SPF 15 for Sensitive Skin. This is the original formula and we’re currently shipping it to retailers. This product is in a white box with yellow swoosh. It has a green line across bottom indicates “Sensitive” and a green “bubble ” in the top left corner that says “Classic Gentle Formula”.  We hope you’ll watch for it over the next couple of weeks.  We suggest you check with your local grocer, drugstore, or other large chain retail stores.  They’re often the first to have a new product on the shelf because they buy directly from us.

Hope this is helpful.

Alicia
Olay Team

I hope this helps you guys, so you know what to look for next time you go shopping!

Being as it’s summer, and beautiful weather for a vacation, I figured it would be in my best interest (and yours) to actually update my blog — this time with travel tips!

Over the last couple of months I’ve been making a lot of trips. Illinois, Wisconsin, and I’m even making my second trip to Florida in a week. For travel, and summer in general, I really like to narrow down what I carry in my bag.

Please keep in mind I keep my cosmetics separate from my bathroom necessities, which include my favorite body and face cleansers, shampoo and conditioner (travel sizes), a razor, lotion, deodorant, body spray, a couple nail files, a buffer, tweezers, and a nail clipper!  If I’m gonna be gone for more than a couple of days I’ll grab whatever polish I’m wearing to touch up if necessary as well.

Of course there’s the absolute necessities for anyone’s cosmetic bag:

• Moisturizer with SPF.  This is dire for if you’re going to be outside.  The sun is directly responsible for the majority of the signs of aging.  Don’t want wrinkles?  MAKE SURE YOU WEAR SPF!  I love Olay Complete moisturizer for sensitive skin with SPF 15. 
• A good, long-wearing foundation.  You don’t want it streaking and sweating off your face, do you?  I’ve become a huge fan of Mirabella Full Coverage liquid foundation.  I definitely wouldn’t say it’s full coverage (more like medium), but you can also mix it with moisturizer to make a delightful tinted moisturizer.  The consistency is wonderful, and it’s easy to blend and use.
• Eyeshadow base.  You need this year round, and can’t ever forget it.
• Gel eyeliner, or long-wearing pencil eyeliner.  You need to make sure your eyeliner isn’t running!  Gel liner tends to be waterproof (I wear mine in the pool), and Urban Decay pencil liners don’t budge — especially if you set them with a matching shadow!
• Waterproof mascara.  The only waterproof mascaras that don’t irritate my eyes are by L’Oreal and Cover Girl.
• A good blush or bronzer.  Really, keep it as natural looking as possible in the summer.  I see too many women walking around wearing a blush that isn’t suited for such bright light.  You need very little to define your cheek bones.  Trust me, I have none and barely use any!
• Brow fill (if you need it, I sure as hell do!).
• A small selection of shadows.  I keep as minimal as I can in my bag.  Typically there are three colors I wear regularly, and if I can get away with just taking those with me…. I will.
• A couple options for lipstick and lipgloss.  And by a couple, I mean just a couple.  A good daytime color and evening color are fun, but what are you really gonna wear if you’re sitting on the beach?

As for carry-on luggage, the 3-1-1- rule really limits what liquids and gels you can carry.  Here’s what I recommend:

• A small tube of toothpaste.  Keep your breath fresh!
• A lipgloss and a chapstick to keep your lips looking good when you get off the plane.
• A body spray.  I bought an empty 2 oz bottle from Wal-Mart and poured some of my favorite body spray in it.  Good for travel, good for my purse.
• Eye drops or a tiny bottle of contact solution.  This is vital if you wear contacts.  Mine can randomly drive me crazy and if I didn’t have this, I’d be screwed! 

I know it seems like a lot, but really — it’s not.  I can fit all of the above in a small cosmetics case, and another small bag for my bathroom items.  Barely takes up any room in a small suitcase! 

Is there anything you think I’m leaving out, or anything you think I didn’t need to put?  Let me know in the comments!  I’m always looking for and loving suggestions!

I know, I know.  I missed posting a blog yesterday — so I’m hoping this makes up for it!

I’ve been looking for good and easy lower body workouts that will help to tone and firm up the lower half of the body.  This particular one I stumbled across requires little time for busy bodies like myself (and like most of you out there!).  This is easy to do if you travel and don’t have access to the gym!

If you’re short on time, this quick lower body workout will hit all the major muscles of the legs, including the glutes, hips, thighs and calves.  For a short workout, complete one circuit of each exercise using a challenging weight.  If you want a more advanced workout, complete 2-3 circuits with rests in between each one. [continue reading]

Personally, I do the first set of squats without assistance — I don’t own a resistance band.  I also rest my shoulders on the floor and lift my rear up as opposed to the ball butt lift since I don’t have a ball.  I recommend adding 25 crunch/leg lifts (you know, where you have your legs at a 45 degree angle from the floor and pull them in when you go up for your crunch) to exercise your abdominal muscles.  Super easy to do if you’re a busy person and don’t have much time, or if you travel a lot and don’t have access to a gym!  Of course free weights are extremely inexpensive (I own a pair of 5 lb ones, for reference), easy to travel with, and can work your shoulders and arms as well.

Try this out for a couple of weeks, and tell me how it works for you!  I try to do it 4-5 times a week!