Body Building: Amp Up the Volume in Your Hair

There is a surplus of hair volumizing products on the market. It can be overwhelming to pick one because there are so many different types - sprays, mousses, powders, and who knows what else! Worry no more! I've done the guess work for you. 

Because my hair is generally on the dryer side of the spectrum, I haven't experimented as much with powders (although there are some really great ones out there), but the ones I've found are so wonderful that I currently don't nor do I foresee the need to continue my search. I have two favorite hair volumizing products. One is a spray and the other is a mousse, so without further ado, let's jump into it!

KEVIN.MURPHY BODY.BUILDER Volumising Mousse

I've been both using and in love with this product for about 4 years now, and I'm still working on my first bottle. Although it's on the pricier side, there's a ton of product in the bottle, and it is worth every penny. This high-end Australian product smells delicious (like tangerines 'n' cream), is packed full of good things for your hair, and works like magic.

My hair dresser recommended this to me when I told her that I wanted something that could give my long, fine, silky, stubborn straight hair some semblance of body. She said this product gave her so much volume that she had to ween her hair off it for a while. I haven't had that issue (because my hair is so resistant to volume), but this product did give me unprecedented volume. For those of you who aren't a fan of crazy huge Texas hair, it's not that extreme, but you could probably achieve that type of look if you use enough product. 

How to use: Apply a softball size (it will shrink down) of the product into wet hair at the roots. You can put any remnants into the rest of your hair if you're feeling adventurous. I often feel adventurous. Then, add whatever other products you use, and blow dry your hair. Use a large round brush when blow drying to gain proper volume. I will be writing a post on how to properly blow dry your hair soon, so look out for that! This product is only sold in salons and can be more difficult to find, but the Kevin.Murphy website has a handy-dandy salon finder feature.

 

This is the same product, but one is called "volumizer spray" and the other "volumizing spray".

PHYTO PARIS - phytovolume actif volumizer spray

I impulsively bought this product during a HauteLook sale. I'd heard amazing things about other Phyto products that unfortunately weren't available during this flash sale. Even though I already had my phenomenal Kevin.Murphy root booster, I saw that this product has won awards and couldn't shake my desire to try out a Phyto product. Like I said, impulsive. Good thing I did, though, because this product is fantastic and serves a different purpose than my Kevin.Murphy Body.Builder. 

I use this product when I want to air dry my hair, and it works wonders. It doesn't produce crazy, fabulous volume like Body.Builder, but it gives a nice, natural, visible lift to my otherwise flat hair. You shouldn't use Body.Builder if you want to let your hair air dry because it is a mousse and will dry crispy; however, it blow dries beautifully leaving hair smooth, shiny and crispy-free. Also, I should give you a heads up that phytovolume actif's smell isn't the greatest - it smells like plants or dirt, but I've gotten used to it and don't mind it as much.

How to use: Spray into the roots of damp hair. Then comb through. 

Well, there you have it: my holy grail hair volumizers. I love these both to death, but if you only have room in your budget for one, I recommend you opt for Kevin.Murphy Body.Builder. It will work on virtually anyone who wants to amp up the volume in their hair. 

Have you tried either one yet? Will you try either one? Comment below and let me know!

Don't forget to follow me on BlogLovin'. I will be forever grateful, and I have a great lineup of posts coming your way.

xx Lauren

Prime Time: The Benefits of Eyelash Primers and Conditioners

We often overlook eyelash primers and deem them unnecessary luxury items. We need to stop doing this if we intend to keep our lashes luscious. Not only do good primers build additional length and volume, much like hair conditioner, they condition our lashes so they can grow longer and stronger instead of breaking off or falling out. 

I've tried a range of primers and must inform you that they're not all created equal. Some give lashes a gray cast once black mascara is applied, some make lashes heavy and fall straight, and some just aren't worth the hype. 

TARTE - multiplEYE™ lash enhancing primer

This is one of the most raved about eyelash primers. I decided to try this out at the suggestion of several of my favorite beauty YouTubers when my DIOR - DIORSHOW MAXIMIZER Lash Plumping Serum was too old for use, but I'll get more into depth on that one in a bit. The Tarte primer costs less than Dior's, but I am sorry to report that I was disappointed by its performance. It was unable to keep my straight, fine lash hair curled even when I immediately applied amazing curl-holding mascaras. If you watch Leighannsays on YouTube, then you know what I mean when I say this product makes me look like Sesame Street's Snuffalufagus. Lashes pointed down over the whites of my eyes? Not a good look for anyone. That being said, this product doesn't turn my lashes gray once it mixes with black mascara, so if your hair is naturally curly and able to withstand heavier products, this may be a fabulous primer for you. 

DIOR - DIORSHOW MAXIMIZER Lash Plumping Serum

Soon after I purchased my Tarte primer, I realized I should've forked over the extra few bucks for my beloved Dior primer. For those of you who, like me, struggle keeping your lashes curled or even pointed upward, I'm excited to let you know that our eyelashes can stand up to and remain curled with this primer. The trick is in the application. Quickly coat one set of lashes with the Dior primer. Then, immediately apply your desired mascara. I prefer using waterpoof mascaras in general because they hold curl. In particular, DIOR - DIORSHOW BLACK OUT Waterproof works beautifully with this primer. Once one eye is done, then repeat starting with the primer on the other eye. I have tried this method with other primers, and it doesn't work with any of them. As far as I've experimented, the Dior lash primer takes the cake! Not only that, people compliment my eyelashes when I wear the Dior primer and mascara combo. My own mother asked me if I was wearing false lashes. Psh. 

PETER THOMAS ROTH - LASHES TO DIE FOR™ THE MASCARA

If you're looking to fortify your lashes and condition them daily in one quick step, I highly recommend Peter Thomas Roth's mascara. It has conditioning properties in its formula. After a few days of use, I noticed that my lashes were longer and stronger. This product has definitely slipped through the cracks in the beauty community and deserves much more recognition than it gets. This is a magical everyday mascara for anyone who wants the benefits of a lash conditioner without having to buy one or take the extra step in the makeup routine. If you're still on the fence, the fact it costs the same as the Tarte primer ($22) might send you over the edge. You're really getting two for the price of one!


What are your favorite eyelash primers? Are there any you think I should try out or might like? Comment below and let me know if you have tried or plan to try out any of these lash primers!

Don't forget to follow me on BlogLovin'. I've got a great lineup of posts coming your way.

All my love,
xx Lauren

Healthy, Hydrated Hair Must-Haves

 

You're only 5 steps away from the amazing hair you've always wanted. If the only thing standing in the way of your luminous, flowing hair is your incurably dry and damaged hair, I have got quite the solution for you. These five haircare products will help you achieve silky, sexy, supermodel hair. Before you know it, you'll be the envy of women (and models) everywhere.

1. KÉRASTASE - Elixir Ultime Oléo-Complexe Sublime Cleansing Oil Shampoo

I started using this shampoo at the recommendation of my hairstylist. I had been using my beloved Pureology shampoo and conditioner for 4 years (Don't do this! You're supposed to switch up shampoos & conditioners), and my hair became too used to the products. This shampoo doesn't weigh my incredibly fine hair down. Instead, it moisturizes my hair and scalp and adds gorgeous shine.

How to use: Using a quarter-sized dollop, massage the shampoo into your hair starting from the bottom of your scalp and work up. It will lather. Apply more shampoo as needed until you've washed your whole head. 

 

2. DOVE Hair Therapy - Daily Moisture Conditioner with Nutritive Serum

This product is insta-soft. This moment you put it into your hair, you can feel the results immediately. I mentioned and reviewed this more in-depth in part one of my Summer Essentials.

How to use: Apply generously from the ears down. Use after shampoo when showering except when deep conditioning.

3. L'ORÉAL PARIS - Advanced Haircare Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm

Nothing could compare to my Kérastase deep conditioning masks until this came along. I may even like this product better. For those of you who didn't already know, Kérastase is a subsidiary of L'Oréal, which means the products tend to have similarities. This deep conditioner claims to repair a year's worth of damage after the first use and five years of damage in total. While these are steep claims and the only way to "repair" split-end damage is to cut it off, it does add unparalleled moisture back to your hair. Last time I saw my hairdresser, she said it was the healthiest she's ever seen my hair, and I completely credit this product. At $6.99, the L'Oréal balm is a steal compared to it's pricier counterpart. If you're a huge fan of Kérastase hair masks like I am, then you will guaranteed love this deep conditioner.

How to use: Use 1-2 times a week after shampooing. Apply product generously to your hair from the ears down. Leave it in while showering. Rinse it out with warm water and seal the cuticle by running cold water through your hair before leaving the shower. For even better results, leave it in for thirty minutes after you shower.

{For those of you with Siliac's Disease, this product is NOT gluten-free.}

4. UNITE - 7SECONDS Condition Leave In Detangler

I have used this product for 5+ years and have gone through countless bottles, and I have no plans of stopping. Hands down, this is the best leave in conditioner I have ever used, and it is a permanent staple in my hair routine. There are some others that have come a close second (some that are raved about in the beauty community), but nothing tops the Unite formulation. The Wet Brush glides through my damp hair thanks in large part to this leave in detangler.  If its phenomenal conditioning and detangling abilities weren't already enough, the product contains heat protectant and smells delicious. If you're doing any major heat styling, I still recommend using additional thermal protectant.

How to Use: After showering, gently squeeze excess water out of your hair. Spray Unite 7SECONDS™ Condition Leave In Detangler all over your head. If you cannot get your comb or wet-safe brush through your hair, apply where needed as needed.
{For those of you with Siliac's Disease, this product is NOT gluten-free.}  

 

 

5. JOSIE MARAN - Argan Oil Hair Serum

The first time I tried this product, I used a sample packet and noticed amazing results immediately. This product doesn't necessarily hydrate and repair as the others do, but it smooths frizz and gives beautiful shine and texture. This is not to be confused with any of the other Josie Maran Argan Oils. I don't find they work as well as this product for hair.

How to Use: After combing through wet hair, apply a dime size of the product to your ends. The pump is metered. Depending on your hair length, you will need 1-2 pumps. I have long hair and use 1 1/2 pumps. Then, comb or brush out your hair again to better distribute the product. 


The rest of my routine depends on whether I decide to air dry or blow dry my hair. When my hair is damp but not sopping, I use volumizing products and go from there. I will be posting reviews of my two favorite volume boosting products very soon, so be sure to subscribe to this blog on BlogLovin' and check back for those! Are there any haircare products that have changed your hair life? Comment below and let me know if there's something revolutionary (or even just plain old good) that I should check out.

Now get to it! You're only 5 steps away from your perfect hair day.

 

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