The Girl in Pink

4 products for the perfect blowout - without breaking the bank

Hi!!

I hope everyone is having a great start to their week! Hopefully not many of you forgot about the time changing and got late to work.

Driving to work while it's still so dark is so much harder! I swear my eyes kept closing!

Anyways....

Today I wanted to share with you 4 steps, or products, to achieve a perfect blowout, without breaking the bank.

There are sooo many products out there it is really hard to know which ones are worth it and which ones are just trash. It's also hard to know how much money you should spend on these products!

There are some products out there that are really amazing and that are some of my all time favorites, but let's be honest, sometimes spending more than $20 on a hair product is a little bit too much. Not to panic.... there are great options that are budget friendly and that can give great results as well! It just takes a little experimenting to figure out which ones.

After trying out several brands and products I have declared these my current top 4 products for an everyday, great blowout, that will last all day, and not costing you and arm and leg. I do have to say these might not work for every hair type. My hair is very thin, oily in the roots and I tend to get split ends if I don't look after it. In order to style my hair right I need products that provide volume, hydrate my ends, and prevent oily roots. I also get highlights every few months. If your hair is similar to mine you will love these products. I will go over them in the order in which I use them

Make sure you wash your hair with a good shampoo and conditioner. I will make a review on some of my favorite soon. Make sure you use shampoos and conditioners that are specific for your type of hair. It really does make a difference.

1. After washing your hair comb it out and remove excess water with a towel. Spray your hair all over with the Tresemme Heat Tammer Leave-In Spray. It is crucial to use a heat protector when you use any heat tools. It may not seem like it, but your hair really does get damage every time you style it if you don't protect it.

2. Apply about a lemon size amount of the L'oreal Boost It Volume Inject Mousse on your hand and run it through your roots. focus on the areas where you most need volume and massage it.

3. Apply about a quarter size amount of the Fructis Full & Plush Voluptuous Blow Out on your hand and run it through your hair, not your roots. Massage it and just run it very lightly on your bangs or front part of your hair.

Make sure you comb your hair to make sure all the products are evenly distributed. Blow dry your hair and style.

4. After blowing out your hair and styling it, apply a penny size amount of the Fekkai Color Protector Glaze on your ends. Do not apply anywhere near the roots. Focus on the areas where your hair feels dry. This glaze will help hydrate the ends and prevent split ends as well as prevent frizz. This is one of the only oils I can use on may hair that will not make an oily mess out of it.

These products will provide protection from heat as well as protect your color. It will give you amazing and long lasting volume, prevent frizz and will not make you hair oily. I usually have to was my hair everyday because the roots are so oily and products usually make it worse, but with this combo I can actually go an extra day, if I don't workout (cause I sweat like a a pig).

I hope you try it out! Let me know if you like it!

My favorite lipstick

Hi!!

Don't you just love that feeling of purchasing a new lipstick... its so shiny and new and it just looks so pretty! I love trying out new shades and collecting lipsticks but I think we all have that one lipstick in our collection that is our go-to, the one that makes you feels the prettiest, that complements your completion perfectly, right?

If you don't have one lipstick that you just love I would really recommend you go out and experiment and find your lipstick soul mate. A lipstick that you can wear with your everyday makeup that will help you look effortlessly beautiful and put together. Something that complements your skin tone and complexion and that looks naturally beautiful.

Which is my lipstick soul mate?! I don't even have to think twice!

The Chanel Rouge Allure in number 129, Surprenante! Luminous Intense Lip Colour!

This lipstick is so smooth yet rich in color. The formula is great for your everyday-any time makeup that looks naturally beautiful. If you are on the hunt for a lipstick that you can just grab and go I really recommend this collection. I have been buying this lipstick for years, and even though I have found so many that I like, this just keeps being my #1 year after year.

Which is your favorite lipstick?

My Birthday

Hi!!

Birthdays are the one time a year when cake, chocolate and macaroons have no calories.

It's the day when you get to choose exactly what you want to do, and you get to be the queen (or king) for the day.

The day when you can wear exactly what you want no matter where you are or what you are doing. Hey, if you want to wear a sparkly dress all day during your bday, even if its just to go get a burger, go for it. I would.

It's also important to remember to take some time and think about your life. Think about the blessings you have received, the choices you have made, and the pat you find yourself in. Where are your headed? Are you happy? What can you change that would improve your life?

Sure, it is great to received gifts and get lost in the material things birthdays bring us, but birthdays should also be a day when we reflect on our life, give thanks for what we have, and adjust depending on what we want to do with our lives.

Last year when I turned 25 I was a little bit sad. I thought "wow 25" that's very close to 30, but after a couple days that feeling faded. This year, as I turn 26 I don't find myself depressed, I find myself terrified! 30 feels like its just around the corner! There is so much I want to do and I feel there is just not enough time. For example, I have no plans to get married soon, but even that is putting a little bit of pressure I have to admit. Am I expected to get married before I turn 30? What if I don't get married before 30? Just thinking about all the things I want to accomplish, things I feel I am expected to do and things I feel I still have to experience just freak me out.

Time just seems to fly and I guess what scares me the most is that it might just slip away. Having a crazy schedule, dealing with daily life sometimes makes you forget the important things, and you end up worrying about all the wrong things, wasting time and just letting it slip away.

This year I want to focus on what I want to do with my life and make sure I am in the right path. I know it won't happen in a few days, it is a process, but this year I want to have the right attitude, remembering that time is precious and every minute is unique. Not one minute in our lives has a replacement; they all have an expiration date and when those 60 seconds are over, that minute s gone forever.

Anyway.... after this little ramble, to lift up the spirits, I want to share my birthday outfit.

My birthday started with a French theme breakfast which my adorable and loving mom surprised me with., She decorated everything and had the most adorable breakfast table ready for when I woke up. I was filled with croissants, truffles, macaroons, mimosas and cake!

After that delicious start to my day we went to a little town called Gruene, about 45 minutes away from San Antonio. We walked around the cute little shops and had lunch at the Gristmill restaurant by the river, where they have some amazing BBQ ribs!!!

I wanted to wear something very girly but comfortable for walking around the town.

her's what I wore:

My Blown Beautiful Experience

Hi!!!

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Yesterday was my birthday! So I am happy to report my weekend was wonderful :)

I will write a post about what I actually did on my birthday and show you some pictures but today I wanted to share with you my first experience at a blow dry bar.

I have seen so many of these blow dry bars open all over town and have seen so many bloggers and beauty/fashion lovers checking them out that I decided I had to go investigate one of this salons myself. I booked an appointment at Blown Beautiful. They have two locations in San Antonio; I decided to go to the one in Alamo Heights. Saturday night I had plans to go out with some friends to celebrate my birthday. I thought it was the perfect day for pampering and for big, extra pretty hair! I have to admit I was so excited about this appointment.

When I got to the salon it was pretty quiet; it was only me and another lady getting her hair done, which I liked. I don't like when the salon is super packed and everyone is just running around. First step was shampoo. My stylist did a little massage when she was shampooing and conditioning, which was very nice. After that she offered a deep conditioning treatment but I decided not to do it that day. When she was done we went over to her station. I told her I just wanted a simple haircut; I wanted to keep my hair long but cut enough to get rid of the split ends and make it look healthier. She was pretty quick I have to say. I really liked that she took the time to go over some pictures in magazines to make sure she knew exactly what I wanted.

Step 3 was a the blow dry. I had requested the shampoo+cut+signature blow dry package. I usually blow dry my hair and curl it to achieve a wavy look and this is what I wanted that day as well; I was surprised the signature blow dry did not include curling. I had to pay $10 extra for her to curl my hair. The blow dry was ok but the curling I have to say I was not a fan of. It was just too curly and too "made up". I like my hair to look natural and flowy and this looked just like too much hairspray and a little up-do-ish (if that makes any sense). What I really did not like was the way she did the front of my hair but I always hate how they style it at any salon;I usually have to fix it when I get home.

The overall look was ok. I was happy with it but I was not impressed. I think I could have done the exact same or better myself at home. The haircut was good; she did a good job capturing the length and style I wanted but again, nothing special. I think I like the way my regular stylist cuts it better.

My honest opinion is this:

If you are feeling lazy one day or just feel like having a pampering day - do it. It's fun and relaxing and hey, who doesn't like to get their hair done right? But really if you know how to style your hair and you are good at it I really don't see the point. Why pay $35ish dollars for a look that you can achieve by yourself! Now... if you don't know how to style your hair or you are just no good at it then yeah, definitely its a good option for you! I have some friends that just do not know how to style their hair and I would recommend these salons for them.

They also offer up-dos and braids; I am not a fan of up-dos but I definitely want to go and let them try a nice braid on my hair. I will let you know how that goes.

Have you liked these blow dry bars?

OOTD - Print Pants & a Fluffy Dog

Hi!!

If you live in Texas you know these months are all about the crazy weather!

One day it's freezing, the next feels like summer is just around the corner, and some days are just gloomy and wet. It makes it a little hard to figure out what to wear in the morning because you really never know what the day will bring.

I wanted to share my ootd with you to give you some more ideas of outfits you can wear during these days. It is a very simple outfit but I feel like it makes you look effortlessly stylish and put together. During the week I use variations of this outfit a lot for work. Lately I have been loving print pants. They are just so much fun and unique. Your outfit can be so simple but just the print makes it look so much more elaborate.

I am wearing a simple dark blue turtle neck from Gap and my funny-looks-like-a-tablecloth print pants also from Gap. If you have not experimented with print pants before and are looking to try them go to Gap. I am a fan of their pants; I feel they fit my butt just right and they are so comfy. They have new prints all the time. I really recommend them.

I used my Tory Burch golden flats, my simple everyday gold jewelry and my new acquisition (and obsession)... my CH red handbag.

BTW this is Lucy, my best friend and confidant. Shes my style adviser most days ;P

Lucy, or Lucifer some days, loves to swim almost everyday, chase pointlessly after squirrels, eat every minute of the day and watch movies. She had a bath four days ago and she's filthy already! I guess she just likes to be smelly.... shes a tomboy ;)

The Big Easy

Hi!!

And so a new week begins.... wait... a new MONTH!

I can't believe it is February!

Where did January go?! I feel like I just came back from Christmas break. I just hate when time goes by so fast. Plus my bday is coming up and I just get weird lately instead of excited....

wrinkles stay away!!

This weekend I did a little cleaning and organizing and realized I had so many makeup samples! Truth is, if the samples are small I tend to never reach for them. I like the cute samples that look like the actual product but a mini version... they work great for when you are carrying a small handbag or when you travel. The tiny samples on the other hand just seem to accumulate in the drawer. So, in an effort to try new things (and maybe find the fountain of youth-makeup) I decided to try the Benefit's Big Easy Foundation sample.

The Big Easy Foundation is supposed to balance moisture and control oil, which in theory would be the perfect foundation for my since I have dry/combination skin. This makes it sooo hard for me to find a good foundation I like that doesn't feel dry, looks cakey and that does not make me oily and shiny. This foundation also claims to self-adjusts to skin tone and perfect with a powder-finish. It also has SPF 35 which is very nice and necessary.

When I first applied the foundation it felt thick and I immediately thought it was going to be really oily and that it would make me shiny really quick. It took a bit long in my opinion to blend it out completely but I think this was because unfortunately the shade was a little too dark for me. The coverage is light/medium. I have to say I was surprised; at the end if the day my skin still looked great and I was not oily or too shiny like I had expected. I had a very busy day and never reapplied makeup or powder throughout the day and still looked good and with enough coverage. Even though I still like the foundation I use now more, I think this foundation is a great option for a person who likes light/medium foundation and has dry/combination skin. You still need powder to set it but overall I like the foundation. I want to try it in a shade that goes better with my skin tone.

This reminded me how important it is to try new things.... you never know, maybe you find a new favorite, a better option or something to incorporate to your makeup routine. The foundation I use everyday is more high-end and pricey so I'm looking for a more affordable option to incorporate to my makeup bag for days when I want to use foundation but its for a more casual/active day, like going to the beach or a day by the pool, when you want to look your best but maybe feel like your makeup would be wasted in a way. Is it just me that feels this way? Maybe this makes no sense to you all but this will be added to my makeup bag for my "active/casual" days haha.

Have a fabulous day and let's enjoy February by trying new things!

OOTD - Casual Friday!

Hi!!

Happy Friday!!!

It's been a looooOOOOOnng week for me and I cannot tell you enough how excited I am for the weekend. Nothing special planned but just looking forward to some relaxing time, movies, and an epic cheat meal.... I'll keep you posted.

Anyways... Today I wanted to share more details about my OOTD. I know most people look forward to "casual Friday" but I just think this term is misunderstood so much. A lot of people think this means you get to wear baggy jeans and an old over-sized t-shirt you got for free at some event. No people, it does not mean you get to wear cloths like you are lounging or cleaning up your house. During these days you can be a lot more comfy but still keeping your style and looking put together. If you want to wear jeans, make sure they are nice jeans and you pair them with a nice top and shoes. Casual Friday is really more like a day when you are allowed a more casual everyday look but still looking professional. I will work on a post with more casual Friday ideas.

OK now that I got that out of my chest (haha) here is an outfit idea for a casual Friday:

1. Black sweater dress with a small cowl neck

2. Loose black sweater with flower details; the dress is short sleeve and my office is super cold

3. Black tights; try to buy really opaque tights, they look a lot better. My favorite are Spanx tights not only because they make your butt look better, which everyone can benefit from, but they don't roll down like a lot of other brands or dig into your stomach.

4. Over-the-knee slouchy black boots.

This all black outfit is so comfy, but still look stylish and you look put together. I decided just to leave my hair naturally straight to give it a more casual vibe, and accessorize with small pear earring. For makeup I did a simple, thin cat-eye black liner and burgundy lips (which I love right now)

I hope this outfit inspires you to dig around your closet and create more casual Friday looks.