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By Amy Zhang April 8, 2019 in Beauty, Lifestyle 3 Comments

Festival Hair Care with Pantene

Festival season is rapidly approaching, and I’m sure many of you are thinking about what to wear and pack. This year, I’ve partnered with Pantene to show why their new Festival Hair Kit is an essential for any girl this festival season. Between all of the heat styling, tight braids, teasing, and coloring, hair can become extremely damaged. Proper haircare before, during, and after the festival can keep hair moisturized and healthy.

As someone who generally tries to avoid overly heat-styling my hair and going as long as possible in between washes to maintain my hair color, weekend-long festivals can be incredibly damaging to my hair. I tried out the new limited-edition, portable Pantene Festival Hair Kit to see how I could incorporate it into my routine. The kit includes everything you need to keep you going all weekend long – Pantene’s Dry Shampoo, Airspray (alcohol-free hairspray), one ampoule of the new Intense Rescue Shots, 1 On-the-Go Frizz Iron, and 2 Nourishing Mask sachets. Basically, all of the essentials.

How to Use the Festival Hair Kit to Rescue, Reset, and Nourish Your Hair

+ Pre Festival

Whatever your go-to look is, you’ll want to keep it going from day to night. After styling my hair, I love Pantene’s “brushable” Airspray because it doesn’t include hair-drying alcohols, but still provides a lasting, flexible hold that keeps your style strong. Generally, I wear my hair in loose waves, but over the course of the weekend, I like to add a braid or a textured pony as my hair becomes more naturally textured (aka dirty). Spray evenly on dry, styled hair for a silky, finished look. Also, to maximize the days in between hair washes (which I am convinced is better for you anyway!), use Pantene’s Dry Shampoo for volume. Remember to spray at the roots, or wherever refreshment is needed most. Massage thoroughly with fingertips.

+ During the Festival

A little trick I picked up a few years ago is to keep dry shampoo in your bag, wherever you go. Pantene’s Dry Shampoo refreshes your look by absorbing oils and instantly refreshing hair for fresh and clean second or third day ‘do! You will never see me with a mini bag, how else am I supposed to carry all of the essentials? After being in the sun or dancing all day at the festival, you WILL sweat and your hair will most likely need a touch up. Spray Pantene’s Dry Shampoo generously throughout your hair to freshen up your look and add texture.

Also, I tried Pantene’s On-the-Go Frizz Iron, which is the fourth item included in the kit. It is a heatless “iron” you can use to smooth away any frizz and fly aways. Directly apply it to your hair, like a traditional flat iron, and glide from top to bottom, to fight frizz. It’s a compact product, and another essential to keep in your festival bag.

+ After the Festival

After multiple days of styling, you will most likely need a break from heat. Ditch the blow-dryer and hot tools and opt for a little hair R&R. This is where a super hydrating, nourishing hair mask comes in play. Also, use the Pantene Intense Rescue Shots and Nourishing Mask sachets to repair and moisturize your dry strands. Your hair will thank you.

Use the Intense Rescue Shots after washing with shampoo – just apply onto damp hair and massage from root to tip, targeting areas that see the most damage. Leave in for 30 seconds, then rinse for 30 seconds. It’s that easy!

Pantene’s Nourishing Mask sachets are ideal for an instant hydration boost. While in the shower, after shampooing, place a half dollar amount inside the hands, rub together and comb into hair. Leave on for 5-7 minutes, or longer if desired, then rinse thoroughly.

Haircare doesn’t have to be complicated or require carrying around tons of heavy products. All you need is Pantene’s easy, compact Pantene Festival Hair Kit and you’re good to go! Order yours on Amazon to get it conveniently delivered to your doorstep. It’s also available for Prime Shipping!

This post was written in partnership with Pantene. As always, all opinions are my own.

By Amy Zhang March 25, 2019 in Beauty 29 Comments

What Happened When I Removed my Lash Extensions

A few summers ago, I got lash extensions for the first time and instantly fell in love. I mean, who doesn’t want to wake up with dark, full, and perfectly curled lashes? For the majority of the summer, I was diligent about getting my extensions filled. Every 2 weeks on the dot, I went in for an appointment so I could maintain my perfect lashes. They were such a lifesaver on vacation and seriously cut down the amount of time I spent getting ready every morning. So what wasn’t to love? Well for starters, the price. Biweekly fills add up! Not to mention the time. And I couldn’t help but freak out and wonder what was happening to my natural lashes underneath. I knew it was time to remove them, even if only temporarily. After a couple rounds of getting lash extensions and then removing them after a few months, here’s how I learned to take care of my lashes to minimize damage and get them back to normal.

Here’s what happened when I took my lash extensions off.

First, you have to get your extensions off. Let’s talk about how to remove lash extensions. At the end of my last cycle, I could see my natural lashes growing at the base of my lid and the thicker, darker extension would stand out. Seeing it dangling on the middle of my lash was so distracting, all I wanted to do was pull it off. DO NOT DO THIS! It will more likely than not damage your lash by ripping it out or weakening the hair. If you’re thinking about removing your lash extensions, do not do it yourself!!

How To Remove Lash Extensions Properly:

Go see a professional. Removing your eyelash extensions at home just isn’t worth the risk of damages your natural lashes. Think of it like a gel manicure – you can pick it off yourself, but you’re better off going to a professional. It’s worth the $10-$20 price tag.

The process takes less than half an hour. The specialist will use a special remover and tiny tweezers/tools specifically designed to remove lash extensions. My lash technician also told me that getting your lashes removed professionally is very important, because as your natural lashes grow out with the extension still on them, they can eventually break your lash in half.

Keep in mind, you have the option to wait it out and let our lashes fall of on their own. This can take up to five weeks depending on your lash growth cycle. I personally do not recommend waiting it out. Your false lashes will start to fall off, which creates opportunities to pick them off. As I mentioned above, avoid picking off your lashes yourself AT ALL COSTS. If you’ve ever had your eyelash extensions grow out naturally, you might notice that your lashes look extra stubby and short – this is most likely because your lashes broke when the lash extension came off!

Will Lash Extensions Damage Your Natural Eyelashes?

My lashes looked pretty close to what I recall before I started getting extensions (IMO). I made an effort not to pick my lashes, always went to a specialist, and took good care of them. I also start using lash serums when I know I am planning on getting them removed, to give my lashes an extra boost.

If you’re wondering if lash extensions will damage your lashes, I think it really depends on the specialist you go to and how long you’ve had them for. Most lash specialists will say that when done properly (with proper skill, equipment, and individual lashes vs. volume lashes), lash extensions will not damage your lashes. However, I’ve heard that many people think their lashes look thinner or shorter than before their extensions.

The reason for this is twofold – on the one hand, you may have just gotten used to the look of having extensions and forgot what your actual lashes look like. Or, there is the chance that the extension and glue weakened your natural lashes (which have been delicate to begin with), leading to thinner and weaker lashes.

Dangers of Lash Extensions:

I’ve heard about some of the dangers of lash extensions (thinner natural lashes, eye infections from improper sanitary care), but that isn’t why I chose to have mine removed. I really did feel like I got all of the benefits of lash extensions – I loved look of extensions and how they really simplified my daily beauty routine.

When I first had my lash extensions removed, I initially felt kind of naked. My eyes looked more bare than I had seen them in months. However, I quickly got used to the appearance of my natural lashes. I wasn’t sure if I was being paranoid or not, but I quickly researched all of the ways to make my lashes grow back fuller and thicker (just in case, or at least to give the illusion of fake lashes).

Do Eyelashes Grow Back After Lash Extensions?

If you’re wondering – do eyelashes grow back after lash extensions? The answer is, yes!! There are many serums and products on the market to help your natural lashes grow back stronger. I’ve been sticking to a more natural remedy: CASTOR OIL, but I also love some lash serums. I use RevitaLash, and have also heard good things about Grande Cosmetics lash serum as well.

Most people say that their lashes are back to normal within just a couple of months. Your real lashes go through natural growth cycles. They are constantly falling out and new lashes are constantly coming in. So don’t stress!

Are Lash Extensions Worth It?

At the end of the day, when I think about my experience with lash extensions, I have no regrets or real complaints. I LOVED having lash extensions and will definitely be getting them again in the future – for vacations or special occasions. [ Since I originally wrote this blog post, I have gotten lash extensions several times again, I love having them over the summer so you don’t have to do your makeup. ]

If you’re wondering if lash extensions are worth it, I would say YES! Just know that the upkeep and maintenance can be high, which was really the biggest and only downside to extensions.

I miss my lash extensions, no doubt. But thanks to using castor oil/lash serum regularly and my go-to mascara layering combo of Lash Primer + Benefit’s They’re Real! mascara, I’m happy with the appearance of my natural lashes. The best mascara tip I have – combine mascaras. Drugstore ones are great, honestly. If you’re looking to splurge, I linked my favorite mascaras below (tried and true – I’ve tried them all!). If I want a little extra boost, I combine a lengthening formula with a volumizing one.

Now I get to use oils and creams around my eye again (you’re supposed to avoid using cream based products when you have lash extensions because it weakens the glue), any kind of eyeliner I want, and I can rub my eyes!

You win some, you lose some.

Have you had lash extensions? Love them/keep them/lose them?

xx, Amy

By Amy Zhang March 8, 2019 in Beauty 3 Comments

All About AHAs/BHAs

AHAs and BHAs products | by The Luxi Look

If you’re not familiar with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), keep reading – incorporating a product with these ingredients could be a game changer for your skin. Essentially, they are different types of acids that exfoliate your skin. Exfoliation is key for skin maintenance as you get older – our cells naturally turnover but this process slows as we get older. It explains why we lose our youthful glow with age since our skin cells are not able to turnover as quickly on their own. AHAs and BHAs usually go hand in hand but they are not the same – AHAs are glycolic or lactic acids and are water-soluble, which BHAs are salicylic acid and are oil-soluble. Together, they create a supercharged product that helps speed up cell turnover and helps maintain a softer, smoother skin texture.

Why You Should Use AHAs and BHAs

AHAs and BHAs are two key ingredients for your skin as you get older – not only do they exfoliate your skin, they also can fade dark spots and minimize wrinkles. Typically, they need to be present in a certain percent before they become more potent. Before using a product with AHAs/BHAs, be sure to check the percentage of concentration. Using a product with AHAs or BHAs is a great way to improve your skin at home before resorting to more professional methods (lasers, peels, more intense facials).

AHAs work to exfoliate the skin

Some people find these acids to be more harsh than others, so be sure to test out a small patch of skin before going all on. I personally love AHAs because I feel like it creates a better canvas for my other skincare products. You know that feeling you have after a deep, cleansing facial? It feels like all of the product is actually sinking into your skin and you’re getting the most out of it, rather than just sitting on the surface of your face. Regular exfoliation is key, and AHAs are a great way to do that.

BHAs are common in acne products.

If you’re familiar with salicylic acid, you’ll know it’s a popular ingredient in skincare products that treat acne. Typically BHAs are used to treat oily skin to keep your pores clean and bacteria free.

My favorite products with AHAs/BHAs

+ Glossier Solution

I’ve raved about this product before and it’s one of my favorites in the Glossier line. I just finished my bottle and repurchased it – which is something I do very rarely. I found this formula to be gentle enough (10% blend of AHAs/BHAs) to use every day and my skin honestly feels so clean and smooth after I use it. If you’re interested in trying, here’s 10% off your first order.

+ Farmacy Honeymoon Glow

A nighttime serum that helps exfoliate skin while you sleep! This is slightly stronger at a 14% AHA/BHA blend. Do not use more than one product with AHAs/BHAs! You do not need to layer them. I keep this in my suitcase and use it during the week when I am traveling for work. This one also smells amazing!

+ Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos

I wasn’t sure if I liked this when I first started using it as I did have some very minor irritation, but after a couple weeks my skin became more used to the formula and I feel like I am absolutely glowing when I wake up. I’m obsessed with everything Drunk Elephant and this night serum is no exception! I will use this one every other night as that seems to be the frequency my skin agrees with the most.

+ REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

I started using this recently and love this as a gentle exfoliating daily toner. I also love that REN is a clean beauty brand.

Something to keep in mind when you are using a product with AHAs/BHAs – the chemicals can make your skin more sensitive to the sun than usual, so be sure to wear sunscreen during the day when using them (which you should be doing anyway, duh!). Your skin may also be very sensitive to the acids, especially if you’ve never used them before. I would recommend using a product once a week and working your way up to every day. I never had any skin sensitivity with my products, and typically use them every other day or every day. I’ve noticed a definite difference in my skin tone and texture, especially when I go a few days without product. Always follow up with a hydrating serum, moisturizer, or facial oil after using a product with AHAs/BHAs. Once you find the right one, your skin will be absolutely glowing! xx

You might also like … The Best Plant Based Substitutes For Whatever You’re Craving and Switching Up Your AM Caffeine Boost: Yerba Mate vs. Coffee.

By Amy Zhang January 22, 2019 in Beauty 9 Comments

Bali Body Review

After hibernating and avoiding the sun for the past few months, I’m more than ready for a summer tan. I am convinced that a sun kissed glow evens out skin tone and makes most people look better. Unfortunately, my days of laying out in the sun for hours at a day are over. These days, I’m all about prevention and maintenance when it comes to skincare (that means no more laying directly in the sun).

When it comes to perfectly bronzed skin, I’m all about faking it until you make it.

Whether that means getting a spray tan or using self tanner at home, I’ve found that these days, you can get a very natural glow from a bottle – no UV rays necessary! I started noticing photos and ads for Bali Body all over my social media, and was instantly intrigued. I mean, the brand is pure summer. Hellooo tousled beach waves and the perfect tan in every single image! But does the product actually work in helping you achieve that perfect at-home tan?

I finally bit the bullet and ordered several products to try them for myself to see if they lived up to the hype.

Since I typically avoid laying out in the sun, I wanted to try products in a bundle that did not include any of the tanning oils. The tanning oils seem to be among Bali Body’s most popular products. They get rave reviews, and double as both a tanning oil as well as a moisturizer, so I’ll definitely be trying these out over the summer. For now, I wanted to choose products that created the perfect sunless glow. I purchased a Bronzing Lotion and the Late Night Lover Set in “Tan” which included, their Luxe Moisturising Lotion, Shimmering Body Oil, Bali Body BB cream, and hydrating Coconut Lip Balm.

My Honest Bali Body Review:

My initial thoughts – LOVE the branding and the sleek, metallic packaging. The products are really made to be used together and layered on top of one another to create the perfect glow (hence the slightly more affordable “bundles“). However, while some of the products I really did love and found easy to use. Others I would pass on in the future.

Luxe Moisturising Lotion –

Smooth and moisturized skin is essential for an even tan. It’s so important to apply lotion before self tanner, otherwise you could end up with dry patches or streaks. I loved how lightweight this lotion was, but felt you could probably find something comparable for a fraction of the price at the drugstore.

Shimmering Body Oil –

As someone who is very pro shimmer, I loved this body oil. It gives such a beautiful glow to your skin and a very subtle natural hint of bronze. Dewey skin is in this summer, and a body oil should definitely be in your routine for those days when you’re planning on baring those legs.

BB Cream –

I usually avoid BB creams because they often clog pores, but I could definitely see myself packing this with me on a vacation and leaving my heavier foundation at home. I try to keep my vacation makeup very minimal. Think: this bb cream, a little bronzer/highlighter, and mascara.

Coconut Lip Balm –

Catch me any time of day and I probably have at least 5 lip products on me. I won’t say no to a good coconut lip balm, but I probably would not purchase this again due to the price.

Bronzing Lotion –

My favorite product from Bali Body that I’ve tried so far. The formula is easy to apply. It goes on evenly and can be layered for a darker tone and washes off of hands. It’s perfect for using daily to build and maintain a faux tan. Or even to use right before stepping out the door for the day or night. I also didn’t have any issue with the color rubbing off on my sheets or clothes. I also felt the price was fair for the amount and quality of lotion you receive.

Overall, I think where Bali Body really succeeds is in marketing. The products work well enough, but the brand is really what ultimately stands out. If you’re used to using high-end at-home tanning products such as St. Tropez or Tan Luxe (two other brands I love!), you’ll likely enjoy Bali Body as well. However, if you are slightly more price conscious and typically purchase your self tanner at the drugstore, you may feel that the price is not worth it. If you’re considering buying some Bali Body, I recommend the bundles.

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By Amy Zhang January 2, 2019 in Beauty 11 Comments

I Really Love My… Drunk Elephant Skincare Products

It seems like every week there are new skincare and makeup launches, at this point it’s too difficult to keep track of what the latest and greatest in skincare is. Not to mention the conflicting information you read on the internet, and the bevy of maybe not-so-honest reviews all over social media. One brand that has managed to cut through the noise over the past few years (in my opinion) is Drunk Elephant. I received samples of some of their products and loved them so much, I’ve repurchased all of them. I try and review a LOT of skincare lines and products, but Drunk Elephant has quickly risen to the top of my list, and for good reason.

+ Clean skincare.

This is what Sephora has to say about the brand:

Drunk Elephant is committed to using only ingredients that either directly benefit the skin’s health or support the integrity and effectiveness of their formulations. They never take into account an ingredient’s synthetic or natural status, but instead choose based on its biocompatibility. You won’t find what Drunk Elephant calls the “Suspicious 6” in their products (essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical screens, fragrance/dyes, and SLS,) making them, in their opinion, appropriate for all skin. They believe that these six ubiquitous ingredients are at the root of almost every skin issue we see. When formulating the products, they focus on pH levels and safety, always making sure that the active ingredients are at efficacious levels. This is the Drunk Elephant difference.

We think a lot about what goes into our products, but rarely do we think about what is excluded. I will admit that using Drunk Elephant has made me more confident in purchasing clean beauty products, as well as a more conscious beauty consumer overall.

+ Works on every skin type.

Gone are the days of purchasing products for your skin type. Drunk Elephant founder, Tiffany Masterson, believes that every product in the line should work with every skin type – read her interview here.

+ The products WORK!

I haven’t tried every Drunk Elephant product (yet), but these are the ones I’ve been using consistently for the last 6 months and have made a noticeable difference in my skin.

Virgin Marula Luxury Oil

My favorite product, I loved this so much I bought an extra so I could have one in my bathroom and the other in my gym bag. I have dry skin so I am all about oils, but I have even heard from girls with oilier skin that this product is a godsend. It’s perfect for winter months to help give your skin a much needed moisture boost as well as a natural glow. I try not to wear foundation everyday, so this marula oil has been my go to when I want to revive tired or dull skin. It also turns any foundation into a dewier version when you mix a couple drops in!

Protini Polypeptide Cream

This is a product that I grew to love. I love how lightweight the cream is, yet it packs a punch. It’s become my go to daytime cream – the best part about Drunk Elephant products is you don’t have to layer them, in fact they encourage you to mix them together. I love mixing this with a serum and the marula oil.

T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

Can be harsh at first if you aren’t used to using a product with AHA/BHA, I use this every other night and it helps exfoliate and clear your skin while you sleep. Definitely recommend incorporating one of these into your nighttime regime as you get older.

C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream

I’m not an eye cream person, in the sense that I don’t really understand what they do or see a difference. But I do love this one, I can feel it brightening and moisturizing the delicate skin around my eyes, which is always a pro in my book.

T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

I was initially worried this would be way too harsh on my skin, turns out I LOVE it. It’s a once a week, 20 minute mask that when rinsed off, leaves you with baby soft skin. It sounded too good to be true, but I haven’t found it to be too drying or harsh at all. Slather on marula oil and a hydrating serum after, and you won’t need to wear makeup for several days.

B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

This is recommended by Drunk Elephant as the hydrating serum to use after Babyfacial. Again, my skin will drink up all the hydration it can get. This also works well in the morning (protini cream + marula oil + B-Hydra is my skincare cocktail of choice).

Lippe Balm

It’s moisturizing and nice, but honestly there are so many cheaper lip balms on the market that do the same thing. I won’t repurchase once I use my sample.

I’m also dying to try their new retinol cream, vitamin C serum, and tinted sunscreen. Will update this review once I do!

Drunk Elephant Skincare Products:

Now the downside is the products are pricey… and a huge part of their marketing/branding insists you have to use the entire suite of products to get the best results. Um, that’s almost $1000!! There are certainly other products out there that may be better for your skin and come at a lower price point, but it takes some time and a lot of trial and error. Skincare is highly personal, I know for me some of my must have products can be found at the drug store and others are a little more than I would like to spend. But hey, you wear your face everyday and I’d rather spend my money on prevention than Botox.

If you’re interested in trying out Drunk Elephant, this sample set from Sephora is a great way to dip your toe into the water without blowing an entire paycheck. Overall, I’d say the products are worth the hype – I’ve recommended them to a ton of people (with vastly different skin than me) and they’ve all raved about the line.

Have you tried Drunk Elephant? xx

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