Like Buttah

Had to get a quick post up about this - On sale through the weekend at Walgreens.

 Image courtesy of Wallgreens.com

I've been meaning to procrastinating getting a new flat iron for, well, years actually. I bought a semi-expensive one literally almost 9 years ago (really?!) and being the thriftonista I am, wanted to eek every penny out of that guy. However, upon closer inspection, the daily use (confession: sometimes more than once a day), the 'oops-I-forgot' long-term heat up sessions, and the repeated product removal (ie: scraping with a metal emery board) has taken it's toll. I even found cracks on the plastic surrounding the metal heat plates.

Structural Damage + Overall Mange = Time For A Newbie

Image courtesy of Wallgreens.com

Lucky me (and therefore, you), the Revlon Perfect Heat Ceramic Straighteners 2-Pack is available at Walgreen's, and is on sale this week for a rock bottom $17.99. Not only is it nicer on the locks (ceramic vs. copper), but it comes with the cutest mini version of itself which is perfection for this carry-on-only traveler. Over the top bonus: Hot pink plates. Swoon.

I've found it heats up super fast, has a 20-range heat setting, straightens in a single swipe, and my hair is shiny and healthy. Okay, I know that healthy part is an illusion, but this tool is making me believe.

And not to worry - Even if you find this post too late for the sale, it's regular price tag only reads $29.99. Steal!

Mop It Up

Oil. It's gross, but it happens to the best of us. Face gets shiny, hair gets dull, nothing a girl can do but begin again, right?

Nope.

Tried and true brand Clean & Clear to the rescue:

Image courtesy of Walgreens.com

Their blotting papers hit all the high points:
*Remove oil.
*Don't disturb makeup (even my powder bronzer stays put - magical!)
*Allow the grossly satisfying visual of the paper turning clear when the oil hits it.
*Once that strange plastic package is off, the papers live in a slimmer-than-a-gum-pack case and are non-crinkly and silent to use.
...And here's one they don't advertise:
*Run it down tendrils of hair or rub on your roots for a quick oily hair pick-me-up.

That last one's my new favorite.

Walgreen's also makes a what's-the-difference knock off that will save you a few bucks too ($4.50 vs. $6):

Image courtesy of Walgreens.com

I've taken quite a shine to these.

Beehive

Bumble and Bumble has the cure for the lazy morning.

It's Hair Powder, and it can extend a blow out (or mask a shower-less morn) with texture, subtlety, and best of all, ease.

Image courtesy of OutBlush.com

This powdery goodness comes in five shades ranging from white for champagne blondes and silver foxes, to black for you lucky onyx-topped ladies. You can match your hair color for little root touch-ups, or - a tip from my B&B trained stylist - pick up the shade lighter than yours to hide some grease. I'm a brunette, so I have the "Blondish" color and it's true: Works like a charm, and earns its 'dry shampoo' category title.

Image courtesy of ShampooFashion.com

Another one of my favorite qualities of the product is it goes on dry hair. A few squirts to the roots here and there, a few seconds for dry time, and finger style.

Time for a reality check: This guy's a bank buster at *gulp* $35 for 4 ounces (I almost keeled over at the register), but the slim little bottle packs a long-term punch. I've had mine for over a year, and use it at a rate of 3-6 squirts every 2 or 3 days. It also comes in a more try-it friendly price and size: A one ounce bottle for $19.

I actually have become so attached to the product I'm going to spring for the 1oz. bottle too for plane travel. I'm a carry-on only type of gal, so everything's gotta be 3 ounces or less to pass muster.

Catch the buzz.