Getting your tresses ready for spring!

If you are like any number of my clients this past week ( London, Ontario’s heat wave of above zero!) you may notice the uncontrollable static and frizz that is affecting your ‘do!

These troubles are usually caused by environmental factors like humidity and dryness in the air. Just like our skin, our hair shafts need to be protected from the elements as well or else they will start to show signs of wear and tear.

I’ve gathered a small list of the top 3 items that I recommend for daily care and maintenance that are also adorable and easy to get.

1) Matrix Exquisite Oil



This lightweight, yet effective serum can be used on damp or dry hair. I love it to use on styles that require sleekness and to tame flyaways. The main ingredient is Moringa Oil. This miracle oil is harvested from the Moringa Tree which grows in the Himalayas. The high levels of antioxidants contained in the seed oil contain protein, vitamins and have been known to protect cells from damage. 

Any serum,  when used incorrectly, can cause hair to look dirty or greasy. The key is to emulsify the product in your hands (rub all over like. Hand lotion) one pump at a time. I would start with half a pump in this case as it is a high quality professional product so a little will go a long way. 

Getting the product distributed all over your hand (even on the back and between fingers) will ensure you have no heavy spots from where you begin application. Start at the ends always. That’s where it most needed. Unless you have extremely dry scalp, don’t massage into root area. Instead, smooth just the surface with your palm. You may not see the product, but your hair will take what it needs from what’s left on your hand. 

You can buy this at most salons that work with Matrix. It’s approx $20+ but will last you a long, long time. And you’re guaranteed authenticity of ingredients. 

2) Ogx beauty 



To date Ogx is my favourite store brand line of hair (and even body) care products. Ogx is a paraben-free, salon-inspired formulas contain exotic, active ingredients. Two things attracted me to this line: sulphate-free and paraben free. 

Sulphites are detergents and can be harsh on hair and seriously shorten the lifetime of your hair colour. 

I have tried the coconut milk and coconut water formulas and I adore them! I get the same luxurious result time after time, which tells me that the ingredients are quality.

You can get this at Shoppers Drug Mart and maybe Superstore (I assume since they bought out SDM)

3) One ‘n Only Argan Restorative Mask



Such a treat for your hair and your sense! This mask smells amazing and will leave your hair feeling soft and manageable. Made with Argan oil to nourish and replenish hair, this is a great choice for a weekly of bi-weekly hair treatment. Saturate hair and cover with plastic cap to generate heat. Leave on for 30-40 mins and rinse out. This brand is available at Sally Beauty and is the next best thing to buying professional brands. 

#FBsunday Topic: Achieving a smooth foundation finish

Last week I asked on my Facebook page:

What’s your biggest beauty challenge?

And the replies inspired me to address each topic in a weekly blog post. I chose Sunday because it’s usually my day off 😉

So let’s talk skin. Particularly textures. Some folks deal with acne (or other) scarring, dryness, rosacea or constant acne. These issues pose a challenge when trying to conceal or hide them, because it either makes it more noticeable or doesn’t hide it at all.

here’s my before and after. I have rosacea as well as dryness that varies from day to day. Dependent on water and sun conditions. It isn’t painful like acne, but it can get itchy and requires constant moisturizing

The main thing to remember is the use of corrective colours and highlight/shading.
If you struggle with deep pores or scarring, try these steps.
•first, always start with cleansed and moisturized skin.
•use a primer and apply with a stipple duo fiber brush (the brush to the left of the middle in the pic below). I find this helps product reach deep and hidden surfaces.
•select a concealer that is close to your skin colour, if needed go lighter as a darker shade will leave a shadowy effect and make the spot look deeper or more noticeable.
•scoop a small amount of concealer out of the palette and scrap off onto the back of your hand. Your skin will warm the product to make it easier to apply.
•pat the concealer into skin using a fluffy, but firm, brush like the purple one to the left of the stipple brush. Concentrate on the blemish/problem area and pat around the area in a circular pattern to diffuse the product.
•now apply foundation using a foundation brush, like the one right in the middle (Real Techniques Expert Face Brush) – I find the flat foundation brushes move the product around too much.
the key is to press the product onto the skin first, and then lightly blend it in

image from Real Techniques facebook page

When you’ve achieved the desirable coverage (make sure you’re using the right foundation! I like Covergirl Clean for light, Urban Decay for medium/buildable and MAC Studio Fix Fluid for heavy/full) set your makeup with a matching powder, patting into skin with a fluffy brush and then with a translucent setting powder. This “sets” the foundation and gives a nice matte finish.

Top it off with a setting spray to make it last all day. I use Lise Watier Magnifix spray. Looove.

And voila! you should have a soft and smoothed out complexion.