Stila Gerbera Convertible Color Review!

Stila Gerbera Convertible Color

Stila Convertible Color ($25) is an award winning lipstick and blush all-in-one. Although it can be used as a lipstick, it's best used as a blush. The pigmented cream adds instant color and fresh radiance to the cheeks that will last for hours.

It's available in nine (9) shades: Gerbera, Gladiola, Lillium, Petunia, Peony, Camellia, Rose, Fuschia and Poppy. Although Lillium (dusty pale pink) is a popular choice, Gerbera looked like my perfect color.

Gerbera is a light, warm peachy-pink. Once applied, the color really comes alive and has a sense of vibrancy on the cheeks. On my skin, the color doesn't pull orange, so for those looking for a peach with rather pink tones as opposed to orange, this might be for you. It'd also work as a great base for a warm pink, peach or coral powder blush. On my lips, it actually looks similar to YSL Tender Peach Rouge Volupte Lipstick (but slightly lighter - one of my favorites!)

The consistency is very creamy and has a slight tackiness. It's quite different from Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge, Illamasqua Cream Blush, which aren't as thick and creamy. It's tackier than Becca Cream Blush - probably the most comparable to MAC's older (Blushcreme) formula - which actually I wasn't very fond of because of the heavy texture. 

Because this product is very pigmented, a stippling brush works the best at providing a light wash of color. I like using a MAC #187 Brush, or anything similar. I find the product really easy to blend without looking blotchy, thick or greasy. 

On the lips, the color looks surprisingly pastel, which I really like, but tan/deep skin tones may find it too light for the lips. It isn't the most moisturizing formula for the lips, so lip balm or a little gloss is recommended. 

The product is housed in a durable plastic, mirrored compact that is color coordinated with each shade. I can see it being pretty handy if you own a bunch of these, to easily grab the shade you want to wear without having to look at every compact (like my MAC Blushes - it's like playing Where's Waldo every time I'm looking for a particular shade. Boy, did I love those books as a kid).

The color looks a little light, but I assure you, it's very flattering on the cheeks. The color is actually a bit deeper than what you see in the swatch. A really awesome shade for Summer.

Overall, I'm happy with this blush, but I'm not completely sold with the Stila 'Convertible Color' line in general. As of right now, Becca is probably my favorite formula.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Creamy texture
• Pigmented color
• Blends easily - but because of it's thick texture, it might be difficult to blend on dry skin
• Natural result
• Comfortable wear - doesn't feel heavy on my cheeks
• Lasts throughout the day with minor fading by the end of the day
• No scent

Cons:

• The texture definitely isn't my favorite, it's a little too thick and sticky for my personal preference
• Doesn't work the best on the lips - although the consistency is very creamy, it's quite drying on the lips. Nothing lip balm or gloss can't fix, though.
• For those with oily skin may find the formula to be too greasy as well as having shorter lasting power
• Might not be the best choice for deep skin tones. It's very flattering on light to light-medium/medium skin tones

Price: $25, Sephora or ULTA.

Eucerin Giveaway Winners Announced and a Thank You!

 

First off, I'd like to apologize for my absence lately - I've been busy, busy, busy, so I should be back to my regular schedule after this week. (My birthday is Saturday - yay!)

Secondly, I'd like to mention that I received some e-mails last week that were sent through my contact form on my 'contact me' page, but no e-mail address was provided for any of the messages, so unfortunately, I couldn't respond to them. If you sent me a message through my contact form and didn't get a response, please send me a message letting me know (you don't have to type the whole message over again). I am now using a new contact form where it is mandatory to provide a return e-mail address. I apologize for any confusion!

As for the giveaway, I'd like to thank all of those that entered. I am so appreciative of all of the feedback I received, and it was incredibly helpful! I'm in the process of changing things up a bit so you can navigate my blog easier, become a little more involved and provide the content you are the most interested in! As always, thank you for all of your support and your kind words! You guys are the best!

All qualifying entries were counted (there were a few after the deadline) and the winners were chosen using random.org.

-AIDA
-Maureen 
-Urban Bedou Girl

All three e-mails were provided, so I will e-mailing each of you shortly! 

Thank you again for entering, and there will be more giveaways very soon!

Final Day to Enter my Eucerin Giveaway! Please Enter!

Final Day!

Today is the final day to enter my Eucerin Giveaway, so make sure to enter if you haven't already!

There will be three (3) winners chosen, and each will receive both products shown below. 

Entering is easy, all you have to do is leave a comment on this, or the actual giveaway post letting me know what you'd like to see more on this blog. Any of your feedback/suggestions will be very helpful to me! 

Thank you so much!

*You have until 11:59 PM CST to enter. 

Make Up For Ever #139 Eyeshadow Review, Photos and Swatches!

Make Up For Ever #139 Eyeshadow

Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow ($20) are high-intense powder shadows that come in a huge variety of shades (over 100) and finishes (matte, semi-matte and iridescent). Some of the brighter shades can even be used as a blush.

The eyeshadows are cased in small, slim black plastic compacts (no mirror) and are very lightweight and great for travel. They are a bit flimsy, and dare I say cheap, but as they are a pro makeup artist brand, they are meant to be placed in palettes. The Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow Palette holds ten eyeshadows.

Everytime I go to Sephora I have a "routine" of the brands I'll visit, and I always stop by Make Up For Ever. I've tried many of their products through the past five years, but I never actually purchased any of their shadows. I always thought they were a bit expensive, so I would purchase MAC as an alternative. For reference,  MUFE shadows actually contain a bit more product than MAC (MAC - 0.05 oz, MUFE 0.08 oz) not that it's hugely significant.

I'm typically drawn to all shades of brown, and shades that are versatile and can be worn often. #139 is described on the website as a Iridescent Brown Black. I would describe it as a neutral, dark brown with a satiny/matte finish.

MUFE #139 on my eyes

#139 contains a little bit of fine iridescence, but when applied, the color appears to be a satiny matte. It's very pigmented, and when applied heavy on my lids, I experience little to no fall-out. 

The formula is smooth (matte shadows sometimes have a tendency to be dry) and it applies easily without having any problems blending. I'd compare the quality of this shade in particular to NARS eyeshadow - easier to blend than MAC, and more pigmented. 

I'm definitely impressed with MUFE Eyeshadow, and I'd definitely be game for trying additional shades in the future. 

Comparisons:

From left to right: MUFE #139, MAC Brun and Nars Coconut Grove.

I assumed that #139 would be a close match to MAC Brun or Nars Coconut Grove. But, when they're next together, #139 actually looks warmer than the two, which is a little odd because it's a fairly ashy brown. Perhaps it appears that way because of the yellow tones in my skin. On my eyes, the color is a bit more accurate to what you see in the pan.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Soft, blendable texture
• Intensly pigmented
• Little-to-no fall-out during heavy appplication
• Small, slim compact is good for travel
• Large variety of colors 

Cons:

• The quality of the packaging isn't the greatest, but like mentioned, they are good for travel/keeping in your bag

(no complaints of the actual performance of the product!)

Price: $20, Sephora.

Lancome Artliner Precision Point EyeLiner in Brown Review!

Lancome Artliner Precision Point EyeLiner

Lancome Artliner ($29.50) is a product I've been curious to try for the past few years. Many have dubbed this liner pen as their favorite liquid liner, and with it's relatively high ratings, one can only wonder what the fuss is all about.

I use to be a liquid liner on the upper lid and kohl pencil on the waterline type of girl, but after realizing that just about every pencil irritates my eyes, I actually gave up wearing both and resorting to gel/cream liners and deep, dark eyeshadows (used as liner) for the past few years. MAC Liquidlast Liner was my Holy Grail liquid liner for several years (it still remains a favorite), and only recently have I started reaching for the liquid after I developed a little love relationship with Physician's Formula Eye Booster (it's just quick and easy). So I felt like it was time to give in to the Artliner, after several occasions of swatching it on my hand on my frequent trips to Sephora.

It's basically a liquid liner pen that offers dramatic color and precise product product placement that is said to last all day. Many love this liner for it's ease-of-use, smooth application and long wear-time.

There are seven (7) shades to choose from: Noir, Ice Black, Smoke, Brown, Navy, Forest and Aubergine. Naturally, I would have gotten black, but I opted for brown, for a softer look.

Wearing Lancome Artliner in Brown 

(list of products I'm wearing are at the end of the post)

Brown is a super-intense chocolate brown with the tiniest hint of shimmer, that isn't at all noticeable. It gives a slight sheen more than anything, and the majority of the time, I don't even notice it exists. Only if the sunlight is hitting my face can I spot a few sparkles.

The applicator tip is perfectly designed, as you can easily achieve a thick or thin line based on how you hold the liner during application. I'm able to line in my eyes in no time, and creating a wing is a synch.

I find long packaging designs to be a pain to apply - usually, the more compact the liner is, the easier it is to hold with your fingers and maneuver around your eye. The Artliner is a good size and doesn't seem to get in the way or make application awkward.

It stays in place all day without flaking or feeling dry on my lids.

Sadly, I can't really say from experience if there any for sure dupes (duplicates) for this liner because I haven't explored the popular comparisons. Many have compared the Lancome Artliner to L'Oreal Lineur Intense, but I have yet to try the L'Oreal version. If you've tried both, let me know if you think they are comparable.

If you decide to purchase this at a Lancome counter, make sure to nab it while there's a gift with purchase to somehow justify the hefty price tag of the eyeliner. Lancome typically has pretty awesome GWP's.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Sensible packaging - doesn't get in the way during application
• Intense pigment - I don't have to go over the line to deepen the color
• Smooth formula
• Easy to create thick or thin lines
• Doesn't take much time to perfect
• Quick drying time
• Comfortable
• Long-Lasing

Cons:

• I have to say the biggest con is the price - it's over $30 with tax, which is pretty outrageous for a liner.  

Price: $29.50 Sephora, or your local dept. store Lancome counter.

*Products I'm wearing on my eye in the photo:
MAC Soba Eyeshadow all over the lid and applied across lower lash-line
MAC Brun Eyeshadow in the crease, outer-v, and lower lash-line
MAC Melon Pigment dusted lightly all over the lid
Lancome Brown Artliner Eyeliner
Stila Topaz Eyeliner on waterline (light peach)
Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes Mascara
False Lashes

Essence My Favorite Milkshake Stay with Me Lipgloss Review!

Essence My Favorite Milkshake Stay with Me Lipgloss

The Essence Stay With Me Lipglosses ($2.29 each, Ulta) are a small range of color-intense lipglosses, that leave your lips with creamy, long lasting color - and no sticky trail behind!

There are currently six (6) shades to choose from: Me & My Ice Cream, My Favorite Milkshake, Candy Bar, Kiss Kiss Kiss, Deep Rose and Hottest Pink.

I already own and have re-purchased the shade Me & My Ice Cream on a couple occasions, and when I spotted My Favorite Milkshake, it looked like a perfect natural lip color I can wear for on-the-go.

My Favorite Milkshake is a light, warm, natural pink with medium opacity. I think it's a shade that can work on just about anyone. Despite it being "warm", it's not overly warm and doesn't look yellow or orange on my lips when my skin is lighter. When I'm tan, this color still works perfectly, without washing me out like some pale pinks tend to do. It actually brightens my face up a little bit!

The consistency is a bit thick, but surprisingly moisturizing (kind of like a thick balm) and isn't sticky. The only lipgloss formula that's similar that comes to mind is MAC Cremesheen Glass, or MAC Lipglass without the stickiness. Because of it's thicker texture, the wear time is pretty good with these, but because this shade in particular is pretty light, the color sheers out after a while of wear.

My Favorite Milkshake on my lips

You may notice the unique shaped applicator - it has an hourglass shape that when applied, the middle hugs the contours of your lips for easy application. Even though I've been using the Stay With Me lipglosses for a long time, I'm still deciding whether I like the applicator. For the bottom lip, sure it's great. But you have to use the rounded tip to coat your top lip, which is a little.. well.. different.

It does contain a fragrance like many brands targeted at younger girls do, but it's not something that bothers me. I am a bit sensitive to obnoxious, artificial fruity or sweet scented lip products, but the scent in this gloss is very faint and doesn't bother me one bit - it's kinda fruity, kinda plasticy?

Overall, I really love the Essence Stay With Me Lip glosses. The formula is great, and they feel equally as great on the lips. They often come out with really fun colors, and for those who don't like shimmer, these may be your new best friend! Definitely check them out if you have to access to Essence in your area. 

*Essence is a German drugstore brand with a price range comparable to Wet n Wild or NYC. 

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Creamy (non-sticky) consistency that spreads evenly on the lips
• Good pigmentation - medium opacity
• Non-drying formula
• Good Lasting Power
• This particular color works well on my skintone without washing me out
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• The wand applicator may not be to everyone's liking. I'm 50/50 on it, but I don't mind given the price
• Limited availability 

Price: $2.29, Ulta.

Bonne Belle Strawberry Parfait Lip Lites Lipgloss Review!

Bonne Belle Strawberry Parfait Lip Lites Lipgloss

You all know me by now, and I love finding a good makeup bargain. I'm not one that really likes to invest in a pricey lipgloss - as I always feel like I could find something similar at the drugstore for less than half of the price.

Take Bonne Belle Lip Lites in Strawberry Parfait ($3) for instance. A light, creamy, bubble-gum pink that is said to be a close duplicate for the ever-popular Nars Turkish Delight Lipgloss ($24). Both lipglosses will pretty much give the same effect to the lips, but Bonnie Belle costs 1/8th of the price of Nars at a mere $3 per tube.

The formula is creamy, non-sticky and feels great on the lips. The color pay-off is pretty good for a gloss - a couple of layers will give you that baby pink pout that everyone loves.

Bonne Belle Strawberry Parfait Lipgloss on my lips

I like that I can apply it on the go - no lipstick necessary.

There's really nothing bad to say about this gloss except for those who are sensitive to scented cosmetics, you might want to skip this. It smells like strawberries and cream, and the sweet smell lingers on the lips for a while. It's not ultra-strong, but strong enough to notice it's there.

If you find this to be too pale for your liking, Essence makes a great lipgloss called Me & My Ice Cream. It's a similar shade (non scented), but slightly warmer and less pastel - I find it a bit more wearable on my skintone. It's inexpensive as well, at $2.29 a tube at ULTA.

The Round-up

Pros:

• Creamy formula that isn't thick, nor watery
• Sheer, but builds color well with additional coats
• Isn't sticky
• Doesn't dry out my lips
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Those who don't like scented lip products may want to skip - Sad, because it's a nice lip gloss, but the scent is a really artificial strawberries and cream that can be overpowering.
• Can emphasize dryness due to the light pigment
• The availability is limited - I can only find Bonne Belle at Walmart

Price: $3, Walmart.

Nars Belle De Jour Lipstick Review, Photos and Swatches!

Nars Belle De Jour Lipstick

Nars Belle De Jour Lipstick ($24) was one of my older favorites that has been sadly neglected in exchange for new and flashier colors. If you're a lover of nude lipstick, you may have been acquainted with this shade before, but for those who haven't, let me introduce you two.

Belle De Jour is a sheer, nude beige with warm undertones. It's the particular nude that had many running to stores to purchase a tube after Kim Kardashian mentioned it was her favorite nude lipstick in an interview a few years back.

I have many nude lipsticks, but not all of them are flattering on me. I think one of the main keys to wearing nude lipstick (aside from finding the right nude for your skintone) is finding a shade and formula that isn't going to erase your lips, but slightly lighten them a couple of shades. I know we all love pigment in the makeup world, but when it comes to wearing a lipstick shade that's lighter than your lips, lots of pigmentation can lead to a very unflattering result. (Hey, Is that milkshake on your lips?)

A Subtle Nude

I love that Belle De Jour isn't your average chalky nude. It doesn't make me look ill or washed out. It's funny how your coloring really plays a factor in the way certain colors appear. Without a tan (NC15-20), this color looks too orange on my lips - pinker nudes work better on my lighter skin. When I'm NC30-40, the pinky beige tones come out more, and I like it so much more.

Here it is applied on my lips. I applied a few coats to show the color better, but normally I'd wear one sheer coat.

Comparisons

I expected to find a perfect dupe for this lipstick in my collection, but I didn't find any (that I swatched, at least - there are others I didn't swatch such as MAC Creme De Nude, Revlon Nude Attitude, NYX Pumpkin Pie, etc.) that matched. It's almost a cross between MAC Freckletone and Myth. 

It's not such a unique shade or a real must-have for me, but I love the consistency of Nars Lipsticks and for the Nars fanatics out there, this might be a shade that would interest you.

The Round-up

Pros:

• The texture is very creamy and smooth
• The color is sheer, but buildable
• The finish is shiny
• Flattering on tan skin, and those with yellow/golden/olive undertones

Cons:

• Might not be flattering on some complexions - specifically those who can't typically wear warm shades with yellow/orange undertones 
• The lasting power isn't the best, and due to it's creaminess, it's possible to go through a tube quickly if you re-apply several times a day
• Accentuates dryness, as most nude colors do

Price: $24, Sephora.

Becca Nefertiti Pressed Shimmer Powder Review!

Becca Nefertiti Pressed Shimmer Powder

I have another Becca product to talk about today! Boy, the month of May seems like a Becca Extravaganza. I apologize for those that haven’t found much interest in the brand.

I’ve been very curious lately in exploring the different products the brand has to offer, and stumbled upon the Becca Pressed Shimmer Powders ($38).

The Becca Pressed Shimmer Powders are available in eight (8) shades: Hyawatha (silvery beige), Athena (golden bronze), Angel (pale silvery pink), Gypsy (bright golden pink), Odette (golden peach pink), Nymph (porcelain white), Princess (golden rose) and Nefertiti (golden pink).

Is it a Blush or a Highlighter?

These finely milled, shimmering powders are actually considered a “multi-use” product that can be used as either one – depending on the shade, that is. Some are better suited as a highlight shade for the cheeks, brow-bone and eyes, whilst the colorful ones would work great as a light blush. If you don’t want to wear them alone, you can lightly layer them on top of your blush for added dimension, color and glow.

I have Nefertiti, which is described as a golden pink. It’s an accurate description, as the base appears to be a neutral, dusty pink cascading with golden shimmer that provides a candlelit glow, rather than a tasteless inclusion of gritty glitter or abundance of metallic frost. When pink and gold collide, typically in a blush with a pink base and gold shimmer, it gives the illusion of a vibrant peach with pink undertones. But because the pink is so neutral, it doesn’t have the bright pink-coral effect of Nars Orgasm (or similar shades). I'd say it's a bit similar to MAC Honey Rose Magically Cool Liquid Powder, but less shimmery with a slightly deeper pink tone.

A Powder that’s sure to give your Skin a Natural Glow

The consistency is velvety soft, and because it’s so soft, the brush can pick up a lot of product at once, so use sparingly at first, and go back and apply more if needed. It's pigmented, but I don't find the shimmer/frost to be as heavy as a MAC Mineralize Skinfinish or a Bobbi Brown Shimmerbrick. For those who want lots of shimmer, or noticeable shimmer, these aren’t for you. If you enjoy the subtleness of a product like Dior Amber Diamond (my favorite highlighter), you may enjoy these.

To apply, I use a small stippling brush, such as the MAC #131 Duo-Fibre Brush, or similar. It can be layered over just about anything. I’ve paired with it with neutral blushes to add “a little something extra” as well as over vibrant pinks and peaches. It's a little too light for my liking to be worn alone.

The packaging is standard Becca – a rubberized mirrored compact with their signature metal detailing on the front.

*I’ve heard that Becca powders are sometimes prone to breaking (My Becca Bronzer shattered in transit) and others informed me that they’ve had a Becca powder break here and there. For that reason, I’m careful with my compacts and will not travel with them.

The Round-up

Pros:

• Very soft texture
• Blends easily
• Provides a natural glow for those fearful of frost/glitter
• Although it’s a common color mix (pink with gold shimmer), its unique and different from the other highlighters I own.

Cons:

• Those looking for noticeable shimmer may find that it’s almost “too” natural
• Packaging – some love it, some hate it. Regardless the rubber catches every speck of dirt, causing me to wipe it down after every few uses.
• Expensive – It’s definitely up there with other high end brands (MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes are $29 for the same amount of product) but less expensive than Dior.
• Availability – There are limited locations where it can be purchased, so purchasing online is usually the main option. You can check the retail locations in your area here. 

Price: $38, Becca.

Becca Nefertiti Pressed Shimmer Powder Review!

Becca Nefertiti Pressed Shimmer Powder

I have another Becca product to talk about today! Boy, the month of May seems like a Becca Extravaganza. I apologize for those that haven�t found much interest in the brand.

I�ve been very curious lately in exploring the different products the brand has to offer, and stumbled upon the Becca Pressed Shimmer Powders ($38).

The Becca Pressed Shimmer Powders are available in eight (8) shades: Hyawatha (silvery beige), Athena (golden bronze), Angel (pale silvery pink), Gypsy (bright golden pink), Odette (golden peach pink), Nymph (porcelain white), Princess (golden rose) and Nefertiti (golden pink).

Is it a Blush or a Highlighter?

These finely milled, shimmering powders are actually considered a �multi-use� product that can be used as either one � depending on the shade, that is. Some are better suited as a highlight shade for the cheeks, brow-bone and eyes, whilst the colorful ones would work great as a light blush. If you don�t want to wear them alone, you can lightly layer them on top of your blush for added dimension, color and glow.

I have Nefertiti, which is described as a golden pink. It�s an accurate description, as the base appears to be a neutral, dusty pink cascading with golden shimmer that provides a candlelit glow, rather than a tasteless inclusion of gritty glitter or abundance of metallic frost. When pink and gold collide, typically in a blush with a pink base and gold shimmer, it gives the illusion of a vibrant peach with pink undertones. But because the pink is so neutral, it doesn�t have the bright pink-coral effect of Nars Orgasm (or similar shades). I'd say it's a bit similar to MAC Honey Rose Magically Cool Liquid Powder, but less shimmery with a slightly deeper pink tone.

A Powder that�s sure to give your Skin a Natural Glow

The consistency is velvety soft, and because it�s so soft, the brush can pick up a lot of product at once, so use sparingly at first, and go back and apply more if needed. It's pigmented, but I don't find the shimmer/frost to be as heavy as a MAC Mineralize Skinfinish or a Bobbi Brown Shimmerbrick. For those who want lots of shimmer, or noticeable shimmer, these aren�t for you. If you enjoy the subtleness of a product like Dior Amber Diamond (my favorite highlighter), you may enjoy these.

To apply, I use a small stippling brush, such as the MAC #131 Duo-Fibre Brush, or similar. It can be layered over just about anything. I�ve paired with it with neutral blushes to add �a little something extra� as well as over vibrant pinks and peaches. It's a little too light for my liking to be worn alone.

The packaging is standard Becca � a rubberized mirrored compact with their signature metal detailing on the front.

*I�ve heard that Becca powders are sometimes prone to breaking (My Becca Bronzer shattered in transit) and others informed me that they�ve had a Becca powder break here and there. For that reason, I�m careful with my compacts and will not travel with them.

The Round-up

Pros:

• Very soft texture
• Blends easily
• Provides a natural glow for those fearful of frost/glitter
• Although it�s a common color mix (pink with gold shimmer), its unique and different from the other highlighters I own.

Cons:

• Those looking for noticeable shimmer may find that it�s almost �too� natural
• Packaging � some love it, some hate it. Regardless the rubber catches every speck of dirt, causing me to wipe it down after every few uses.
• Expensive � It�s definitely up there with other high end brands (MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes are $29 for the same amount of product) but less expensive than Dior.
• Availability � There are limited locations where it can be purchased, so purchasing online is usually the main option. You can check the retail locations in your area here. 

Price: $38, Becca.

Haionic Super Lightweight Blow Dryer Review!

Haionic Super Lightweight Hair Dryer

Truth: I have never owned a blow-dryer that costs over $30.

Why? Well, I always figured that blow-driers simply don’t mix well with the texture of my hair, so I never felt like I had to invest in a good one. I also didn’t want to use additional heat on my hair. Considering I use heat on my hair on a regular basis (curling iron and flat iron), I try to limit the amount of heat on my hair as much as I can. So, I resort to washing my hair at night, letting it air dry and styling it the following morning. It works fine for me, but on days where I didn’t have time to wash my hair at night, I have to suffer the consequences of having to spend hours on my hair in the morning – between the blow-dryer and flat iron.

*To clarify: There is nothing wrong with not shoveling out the big bucks for pricey styling tools. Expensive doesn’t always equal better. With that said, by no means am I putting down the less expensive brands or trying to encourage you to invest in a product you may not need. We all have different hair needs, so what may work perfectly for you may not work for me, and vise versa. None of the blow-driers I’ve used worked well for me (granted I haven’t tried them all), but they may work wonderfully for others!

Let me tell you a little bit about my hair. It’s long (below the chest), thick, curly (not tight curls, though –more along the lines of wavy) and fine. I shed more than a golden retriever and God help me if I ever let my hair air dry and then go in public.

Since we’re getting all comfy here, let me tell you another truth. The reason I avoid hair salons at all costs is because I cannot stand how long it takes them to blow dry my hair. Honest to God, I feel so bad every time I’ve gone to a salon (the small handful of times in the past 10 years) and the hair stylist can barely hold her arms up anymore with her round brush, tugging through my thick-ass-hair. My Mom went through the same torture doing my hair in the mornings when I was growing up, and when the blow drier was involved, the result was usually a frizzy mess. I use to go through Johnson’s detangler like nobody’s business, and a comb? Sure, buddy. Once those went in, they didn’t come back out. But hey, I’m not complaining. I love my difficult hair!

The Blow Dryer that Changed my Outlook on At-Home Blowouts

I recently got my hands on a Hai HAIonic Super Lightweight Dryer from Folica.com. I’ve been using it about 2-3 times per week and quickly came to my first realization that hey, they don't all dry out and burn my hair!

The HAIonic Super Lightweight Dryer comes with a bunch of different features, and is said to actually improve the condition of your hair. It uses negative ion technology, which helps seal moisture in your hair, protecting it from heat damage and making it feel soft and shiny. The body is lightweight with a motor that’s less noisy than it’s competitors, and it’s easy to clean with a flip-open vent.


Product Features
• 1800 watts
• 2 speed settings and 2 heat settings
• Extra large cold shot button to set style
• Lightweight design with excellent balance
• Flip open vent for easy cleaning
• Concentrator included
• 9 foot cord with cord hook
• 1 year warranty. Please register your product with HAI to obtain full benefits of the warranty.
• Operates on 120 volts

There is nothing worse than a heavy blow-dryer (no arm strength here!), and thankfully, this blow-dryer is incredibly lightweight. I can blow-dry all of my hair without having to set it down and give my arm a rest or switch hands.

The Haionic Blow-dryer is very simple to use. There are two switches, with two speed settings (slow and fast) and two heat settings (warm and hot). There is also a cold-shot button, which when pressed; the blow-dryer will disperse cold air. To change it back to warm/hot, you have to press the button again. Like I said, because the body is lightweight, it makes blow-drying my hair a breeze, and it has a thick cord, so it doesn't get tangled up during use.

Putting the blow-dryer to use
My usual routine is washing and conditioning my hair and then applying It's a 10 Leave-in Treatment throughout my hair. Sometimes I'll add a drop of Chi Silk Infusion or Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Treatment, working it through the bottom half of my hair. Then, I usually let my hair air dry for as long as I have time for to limit the amount of heat on my hair - since I don't always have all the time in the world, I generally wait so it's damp, and not wet (it takes less time when it's damp). Then I clip my hair in sections (around 6-8) and start with the underside of my hair first. I use a paddle brush made with Boar Bristles, and holding the brush under the section of my hair at my roots, and using my other hand to hold the blow-dryer, I line the blow-dryer attachment to the top of the strand of hair and slowly bring the brush and dryer down the strand of hair. Then, repeat until dry. It usually takes a few passes per section of hair. Lastly, I'll blow my hair with cold air for around a minute for added shine and to set the style.

Overall Performance
The Haionic Blow-dryer is the best blow dryer I have used. There's no joke that it cuts my dry time in half. It takes around 20-25 minutes to blow-dry my hair, which would normally take me one hour with my previous dryer. I actually use it on the low heat and low speed setting, so I'm sure if I used it higher, it'd dry faster, but like I mentioned earlier, I'd like to limit the heat on my hair to minimize dryness and breakage. What I love is that I don't have to linger in one area too long, and I don't have to go over one strand 100 times. My hair is usually a frizzy mess after a blow dry, and the amount of frizz is very minimal and my hair looks shiny and smooth. When I'm done blow-drying my hair, it's so incredibly manageable that the amount of time I usually take to curl/flat iron my hair is dramatically reduced as well. I couldn't be more thrilled.

The Round-up

Pros:
• Lightweight Design
• Thick cord doesn't get tangled or in-the-way during use
• Comes with a concentrator nozzle attachment
• Easy to use
• Makes my hair soft and shiny
• Doesn't dry out my hair - reduces breakage of ends
• Reduces frizz
• Makes hair manageable
• Is fairly quiet on low setting

Cons:
• The actual appearance isn't that aesthetically pleasing for those who prefer girly or chic appliances
• The warranty is only for a year, as opposed to two (two is typical with many high end blow dryers) so, it makes me wonder if the quality is inferior, or if it's going to last
• Expensive; the price is right up there with Solano and Sedu - slightly less expensive, and less expensive than the popular T3 blow dryers.

Price: $125, Folica.