Summer Trauma: Greasy Unwashed Hair

In my family a certain cousin, who will remain nameless, believes that you don’t have to take showers everyday in the summer, especially if you’ve been swimming in the pool. Chlorine is a disinfectant, right? The truth is we’re usually having too much fun to worry about looking our most fresh. But recently at the end of our beach/pool days we’ve been heading to the local bar for a little cocktail hour refreshment. There’s never enough time to take a shower, so what do you do about that sea salt mop? Sprinkle on some dry shampoo!

Dry shampoo is basically baby powder that is scented and is made to absorb the extra oils in your hair and scalp. I’ve been using Oscar Blandi's Pronto Dry Shampoo and it’s essential in a pinch to refresh your hair. It has a lemon verbena scent, which is kind of citrus-y, and very light. It amazingly plumps up your roots, de-greases and makes your locks smell summery.

The best way to apply it is to part your hair on one side, sprinkle the shampoo on your scalp, then part your hair on the other side and sprinkle again. Run your fingers through your hair and distribute the shampoo throughout the hair. You can also brush it, but I find that using your hands works just as well.

Now you’re ready to dazzle ‘em at happy hour (even if only the local fishermen see you!)

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo $10-$19

It’s an Eye Shadow Marathon and you’re approaching the Finish Line!

Have you ever found yourself carefully placing one drop of water on your eye shadow to make liquid eyeliner? I’ve done this a few times, and I’m sad to say, my Stila espresso brown isn’t looking so hot lately. The water matted down the eye shadow and turned it into espresso cement that is unresponsive no matter what kind of brush I use to revive it.

Well now I’m not going to fear the espresso cement any longer! Trish McEvoy has this new little fab product called Finish Line. It’s this magic waterproofing elixir that you place right on your eye shadow palette to make it instant eyeliner. I was a little skeptical of this at first, but my cousin who recommended it to me, said that all you need is a very little drop, and the eye shadow not only becomes liquid in that spot, but also isn’t ruined for future use. Well Bibbity Bobbity Boo, I think I’m going to win this beauty marathon!

Finish Line Trish McEvoy, $18

Green Goddess: Korres Beauty Review

Review: Korres Honey Moisturizing Mask

The soon to be single digit temps in NYC have completely ravaged my face. Instead of having an oily T-Zone as a source of angst, I have an extremely dry one. Either way, it’s unattractive and needed to be remedied.

A little while back I had my first experience ordering from the Derm Store and to get free shipping I threw into my shopping bag a product I had never heard of. It was Korres Honey Moisturizing Mask. Korres is a Greek based beauty company who prides itself on environmentally friendly and all natural cosmetic products. I thought the Honey Moisturizing Mask sounded fresh and helpful to my winter dry skin.

I tried it out for the first time last night. It has a very light pleasant scent and is very creamy as you apply it. Its main ingredients are Honey Extract, Macadamia Nut Oil and Quince. The directions said to leave it on for 10 minutes (although you can leave it on overnight) then rinse off with lukewarm water.

Surprisingly the mask did not firm up like other masks, but rather dried without making my face feel like it was going to crack off. After I rinsed it off, my skin did feel very smooth and soft, although a little bit tight, which I thought wasn’t going to happen. After that I went to bed with a light moisturizing toner on (like I always do).

In the morning my skin looked absolutely radiant. My make up went on smoothly without primer, and the overall tone/color of my skin was definitely improved. I highly recommend the Korres Moisturizing Mask if your skin is in that dull winter blah mood or just needs a little pick me up. I can’t wait to try some more of the Korres line!

Korres Honey Moisturizing Mask The Derm Store, $24.50