Hair Hack - Water Bottle Hair Challenge: Does it Work? Beauty Experts Weigh in

The water bottle challenge, also known as the DIY Dyson Airwrap, is all over instagram and everyone from hair stylists, to beauty bloggers is weighing in on whether it really can curl your hair just as well as the uber-expensive Dyson Airwrap  ($600.00 and there are waitlists at many retailers to buy one).  So what is it, how do you do it, and does it work?

First you need to take a clean plastic water bottle and cut the top off.  Then cut an opening in the side of the bottle that is large enough to fit the nozzle of your hair dryer into it.  Needless to say, this has to be done carefully with a hobby knife.  

Twist a small section of your hair and insert it into the top opening of the bottle.  Place the dryer nozzle into the side opening of the bottle and dry for 30 seconds.  Slide the bottle off and use your fingers rather than a brush to separate the curl.  Voila!  

Tips:  

Try various heat settings on your hair dryer to see what works for your type of hair.

Use a setting product to help hold the curl.

Spray the curl after to maintain the style.  

The bottle gets really hot while using the dryer so let it cool down between each curl.  

Verdict: 

The curls are long and loopy, not tight, so they add more volume than actual curl.

Many people found the hair tangled badly into a ratty mess.

If you don’t use any products the curls will fall out immediately.

The Dyson Airwrap uses air rather than heat, so using a water bottle and blow dryer still damages the hair over time.  If you curl your hair with a heated appliance every day you might want to consider investing in the Dyson Airwrap to protect the condition of your hair.

If you are on a budget or if you just want to curl your hair once in a while then the water  bottle hair hack can work in a pinch if you use products to set and hold the style, so in that case it's a win.   

Check out celebrity hair stylist Justine Marjan’s water bottle hair challenge video clip:

YouTube beauty blogger Chloe Wen shows it’s not as easy as it looks:

Have you tried the water bottle hair hack yet?  Did it work for you? Any advise or tips?

                                                               XOXO Shelley

#waterbottlehairchallenge  #trendinghair  #DIYDysonAirwrap  #viralhair #instagramhair  #waterbottlehairhack  #facethis.blogspot.com  #ShelleyGoodstein 

Do Anti-Pollution Skincare Products Really Protect?

Environmental pollution and particularly air quality is a major health concern and our body’s largest organ, the skin, can quickly show signs of distress, from discoloration, dullness, and breakouts, to premature aging.  The skincare industry has flooded the market with products that claim to protect against pollution, but putting panic and urgency aside, what is the best way to shield your skin from pollutants and the stresses of everyday living?

According to the research scientists who monitor air quality in locations around the world both urban and otherwise, tiny particles known as particulate matter (PM) that register 2.5 microns or less are small enough to penetrate the skin’s natural barrier.  In fact breathing them in is far more of a health hazard than their effects on the skin as these particulates easily penetrate lung tissue.  Skincare companies are capitalizing on the environmental headlines by creating cleaners, mists, masks, moisturizers, and serums that claim to safeguard against pollution’s  damaging effects, but is that really possible and if you don’t use them will your skin pay the price?  Dermatologists have been weighing in and it is generally agreed that the best defense against pollutants is to maintain good skincare habits.  A regime that keeps skin well hydrated provides a natural barrier, so look for products with hyaluronic acid to plump the skin and lock in moisture throughout the day.  Serums containing Vitamin C fight free radicals, and anti-oxidants help undo the damage they inflict.  Keeping skin clean without stripping it of it’s natural oils prevents blackheads, breakouts, and rosacea.  A high SPF that gives both UVA and UVB protection is vital and should be worn every day despite the season or weather. 

Skincare companies are simply responding to people’s concerns with buzzwords, and formulating products that are just generally good for your complexion, so buying a product just because it claims to address the issue of pollution doesn’t mean you are having any more protection than if you cleanse, moisturize, wear a good SPF, and keep your skin in good condition. Healthy skin has less issues that can be exacerbated by pollution and poor air quality.  Keeping your skin healthy means not smoking, getting enough sleep, not over-indulging on alcohol, drinking plenty of water, and getting regular exercise, all of which will give you a proper glow.  

Buying a product just because it claims to prevent pollution from attacking your skin isn’t going to help if you don’t have a good skincare routine and if you have less than healthy lifestyle habits.  Cleanse, mask, use an anti-oxidant serum, moisturize, and wear a high broad-spectrum SPF and you will have all the protection these specialty products claim to have against pollutants. Healthy skin is the best barrier against environmental aggressors.

                                                                XOXO Shelley 

#anti-pollutionskincare #doIneedanitpollutionskincare? #doantipollutionskincareproductswork? #environmentalstressonskin #pollutionandskincare #facethis.blogspot.com #ShelleyGoodstein

My Top Party Season "WOW FACTOR" Beauty Picks

Makeup is front and center at this time of year and I am eagerly anticipating playing with new products and looks for the upcoming holiday and party season.  My general philosophy for going out at the holidays is to go big or stay home!  While some days are a little more rushed than others as I go from parenting, to business, to parties, I still want to up the glam factor and arrive looking like I am there to celebrate and have a good time.  And really, with a little help from amazing products it doesn’t have to take that much time to go from business as usual to social butterfly. 

This year’s crop of new beauty treats is filled with products that glimmer, highlight without sparkle, plump, create drama, shape, and glow, all without making me look like an extra from Elsa.  Bonus - many of these products can be used throughout the winter without going overboard into snow princess territory.  Application and restraint is everything.

I start with a base that gives good coverage without looking like I am wearing a heavy foundation.  I want my skin to look amazing without an overdone, caked-on look.  I use a highlighter palette and blush together to give my complexion a healthy glow with a bit of definition.  I love to play up my eyes with long lashes, dramatic metallics, and shaped brows.  This usually means a more natural lip color with a bit of glimmer since a strong lip would be overkill - it’s the holidays, not Halloween.  I finish up with a luxurious dusting of sheer highlighter pressed powder on the highest part of my cheekbones, my shoulders, and collarbones, and voila: party time! 

Here are my top picks that will get me in full celebration mode this season.  Let the parties begin!

                                                               *** All products available at Sephora.com

                                                                  XOXO Shelley

#partymakeup #bestholidaymakeuplooks #topholidaymakeup #newbeautyproducts #partyseasonbeauty #winterbeauty #facethis.blogspot.com #ShelleyGoodstein 

Back It Up: Winter Body Skin Woes - Solved

It is easy to forget about your  body skin hidden under loads of heavy layers, but the season is  no excuse for neglecting the skin you don’t often see. Treating it with a bit of TLC now means you won’t shy away from baring shoulders, back, and decollete at holiday parties, not to mention on your wished-for warm-weather winter escape.  

Indoor heating and warm layers can suffocate skin making breakouts more common so use a body wash specially formulated to control it if your skin is prone to “bac-ne”.   Skin doesn’t get much of a chance to breathe post-workout in the colder months before going under wraps, so taking time to detox the skin and relax the muscles using the right products in the shower is time well-spent and as good for your mind as it is for your skin. 

Bi-weekly exfoliation is essential for all skin types to brush off dead cells, making it better able to absorb and hold moisture, and leaving it supple and refreshed.  The best new products suit all skin types including sensitive skin, and are deliciously scented.  Body washes with essential oils provide an extra barrier against moisture loss and give skin radiance. 

Sun exposure, hormones, and lack of regular care can leave skin looking older than it is, with discoloration, fine lines, and wrinkles. Treating body skin with glycolic acid products reduces the appearance of these concerns and gives skin a healthy glow, just like similar products formulated for the  face.  The final step is to moisturize with a rich cream to give skin a youthful and firm texture.  Look for long-wearing products that absorb well and don’t easily rub off under warm layers. 

I’ve done the research for you and here are my choices for the top products to address winter body skin woes:

           

                                                 *** All products available at Sephora.com

The best part about taking a little extra care of your body skin over the winter months is that is feels decadent and indulgent, and many of the products have warm scents and rich textures, so spending a couple of extra minutes in the shower or bath might just become your favorite part of your day.  

                                                                  XOXO Shelley

                                                                                                                    

#winterskinwoes #bacne #howtotreatdrywinterskin #winterbodycare #beatwinterskinblues #healthybodyskin #youthfulbodyskin #facethis.blogspot.com #ShelleyGoodstein

Found: The Best New Products for Winter Hair Woes

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Cooler days will be bearing down on us soon and the time is now to prepare your hair for the drying conditions of indoor heating and static electricity, and to keep it in good condition to create amazing holiday hair.  Think of all the selfies and photos you will be taking where great hair is non-negotiable.  If you need to touch up your roots or get a trim, make the appointments now.  It’s time to winterize your beauty routine and that includes switching up your haircare products for those that are formulated to treat cold weather haircare issues. 

Hair appliances can be tough on hair and add to any damage you already have, so using protective products and making hair treatments such as masks and leave-in conditioners a routine part of your hair care regime are key to keeping your locks gorgeous over the winter months. 

Here are my favorite newly-released hair treats available online at sephora.com   My own concerns are strengthening follicles to grow my hair longer, serums to repair split ends, products to protect from heated appliances, and dry scalp treatments.  If you take good care of the condition of your scalp and hair you are much less likely to need products to boost shine, and your new favorite holiday look just might be your own natural style without resorting to up-dos or ponytails to hide damage or neglected hair.   

I’m starting this weekend - you KNOW beautiful hair is a BIG DEAL to me!  

                                                                XOXO Shelley

#newhairproducts #winterizingyourhairroutine #winterhaircare #howtotreatwinterhair #protectivehaircareproducts #winterhairproblems #facethis.blogspot.com #ShelleyGoodstein