Good Thursday Morning to you…and Happy New Year! I know it has been a hot second since we last spoke but, boy, this year has started off unbelievably busy! I am not complaining by any means – busy is always a good thing. Not only am I am juggling a couple new endeavors (because why not) but I am also making the commute back and forth to Northern Virginia a handful of days a week, continuing to make leaps and bounds in the influencer world, and moving forward with keeping my finger on the pulse with the ever changing corporate wellness of it all. Oh, and let’s not forget good old Omicron throwing another kink into, well, EVERYTHING. Yes, we may be 6 days into January, and a January refresh is already needed. And, today, I am sharing some of my favorite beauty products and tools that will help you do just that! FYI: I know you should not end a sentence with “that” but no rules on this blog.
What exactly does a January refresh mean to you? Although mine is spanning the beauty aspect today, there are so many other things I feel this time of year. First of all, it is getting downright cold on the East Coast, so doing much outside of the home is not that fun (at least for me). Even with a recent snowfall I had no desire to be out and frolicking. Staying in, nesting, and getting organized definitely take the cake. And while I live a pretty organized and “put together” life as it is – the last 8 months, though, I feel like all I have done is live out of a suitcase – there is always more that can be done! It just seems like the never ending to do list.
Another one of my January refreshes this year has to do with my finances. The last 2 years I have taken a pretty hard hit due to Covid. Now, with a new place, and continuing to fund business endeavors, I am taking 2022 to get everything in check so this time, next year, I will not feel bombarded with a mountain of “ugh, I owe this, this, and THIS.” The struggle is REAL and I am over it.
Now, let’s talk about the real refresh at hand – my favorite tools and products! Yes, these are some tried and trues that I just adore (one in particular I am sharing because of how much my boyfriend, Matt, loves), and why I think you need to snag your very own!
January Refresh
Let’s start with all things DryBar! This company really needs to no introduction – no cuts or colors; just fabulous blowouts! I absolutely LOVE getting my hair blown out and styled in Baltimore. Honestly, I always try to book an appointment wherever I am. I have never had a bad experience, and I love the brand consistency across the board. I even have their monthly BarFly membership that gives me some amazing perks (like free blowouts). Although I WISH I was able to create the same fantastic looks, I do love their tools and products to create my own look at home. This is by no means an exhaustive list of what I own BUT the top tools that I keep with me at all times!
- Buttercup Blow Dryer
- Doubleshot Blow Dryer Brush
- 4 Pack Hold Me Hair Clips
- Super Lemon Drop Daily Detangler
Next up, I have a LOT of hair. My hair is more of the coarse side but super, super thick. Yes, I know I need to be SUPER grateful but it can be a big, frizzy “ugh” and, well, you know how you feel on a really bad hair day? Here are two products that really help wit this issue – Kenra Blow Dry Spray & Kristin Ess’s Strand Strengthening Reconstructive Mask.
I stumbled upon Kristin Ess at Target when looking for a decent shampoo and conditioner to take with me last Summer to the Outer Banks. Last year I really started to experiment with different hair treatments since I highlight pretty regularly and just want to keep my hair as healthy as possible! This mask is AMAZING, and perfect for all hair types (and sulfate free too). It has a patent “zip-up” technology that, literally, zips up ends to keep them healthy and lush along with protected your hair from environmental stressors. Leave it on for 5+ minutes (or as much time as you have), then rinse with cool water to look in hair cuticles and prevent further breakage. Although I have not tried, another option is to keep on for 1 hour, under a shower cap, then rinse.
I was introduced to the Kenra Blow Dry Spray by my hair stylist. If you have never tried any of their products, a like ones that smell pretty dang incredible, I highly suggest you try! This spray goes on with wet/damp hair and cuts down trying time. For someone like me who feels it is quite the production to blow dry, then straighten, this has been a major addition to the repertoire!
Finally, let’s talk about Drunk Elephant. I don’t know if it is the name, or the fun packaging, that caught my eye. While I do enjoy the shampoo/conditioner once in a while, it is a little too moisturizing for my hair; BUT, Matt absolutely loved it when I brought it along to St. Maarten back in October (I will be doing so again in a few weeks)! Whenever he finds something that he likes, it is a WIN! These are the Cocomino Glossing Shampoo and Cocomino Marula Cream Conditioner. Their shampoos are sulfate free with a blend of coconut based surfactents that lift styling products and dirt to prevent damaging your hair color. In addition, they are infused with amino acids to soothe, strengthen, and smooth, all while acting as a heat protectant for your hair. Their conditioner, specifically their Marula Cream, not only helps to fight frizz and smooth hair through their amino acid blend but it does add Marula butter and a nourishing combination of oils to leave hair soft and manageable all while not feeling weighed down. I may have to experiment a little more; I may have used too much conditioner but I loved the shampoo!
Now that you know what I think you should purchase, any recommendations I should try?
Cheers to an amazing January refresh!
xoxo
Disclosure: While all thoughts and opinions are my own, this post contains some affiliate links in which I may be compensated (at not cost to you). This compensation helps with keeping my blog up and running, and creating amazing content to share! I cannot thank you enough for your support, feedback, and following! You are the best!
