Month: November 2022

This Overnight Dry Shampoo Made My Hair Look Just-Washed — & It’s Safe & Aerosol-Free


If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

I’m someone who washes their hair pretty often, at least 2-3 times per week. My scalp isn’t exactly oily but my hair texture just doesn’t hold a style very long and needs to be redone. I like a lot of volume, which is why dry shampoo is key, especially when I’m traveling and don’t have my trusty Dyson Airwrap. On a recent trip, I tried Kaia Naturals Overnight Dry Shampoo and let me tell you, it changed the game. Allow me to explain.

You’ve probably heard the recent news that Unilever voluntarily recalled several dry shampoos due to potentially elevated levels of benzene, a human carcinogen. These are products produced prior to October 2021 from Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head) and TRESemmé. In a statement, Unilever said it was recalling these out of “an abundance of caution” and it had “received no reports of adverse events to date relating to this recall.”

Still, it has folks looking for dry shampoo alternatives. That’s why Kaia Naturals product developer Madame Sweat (that’s what she’s called!) has been going viral on TikTok as of late. Her video about the dangers of aerosol beauty products has more than one million views. As for me, I’m not throwing out all my aerosol products but I did decide to try her powder dry shampoo as an alternative I knew I could trust.

kaia_naturals dry shampoo

Credo Beauty.

I’ve used powder dry shampoo in the past and it was a mess, getting white powder all over my bathroom floor. This isn’t like that. It sprays easily into your roots and comes in two shades, Blonde and Brunette. I usually rub in my dry shampoo but Kaia Naturals’ is meant to soak into your scalp overnight so you just leave it as is. It smells fresh and clean but not overly fragranced (another pet-peeve of mine is a heavy scent!).

The ingredient list is one that’s easy to understand. It’s gluten-free, vegan and talc-free, instead made with absorbing ingredients such as oryza sativa (rice) starch, maranta arundinacea root (arrowroot) powder, tapioca starch, kaolin and carbo activatus (activated charcoal).

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

My roots are freshly highlighted so I used the Blonde shade. It’s a subtle tint so it’ll work on a variety of hair colors. When I woke up, I didn’t even notice the product. It absorbed fully and my hair looked like I stayed up to wash it instead of eating room service and passing out in the hotel room bed.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

I’m officially a convert and I have a feeling you will be too. And if you’re a fan of natural deodorant, Kaia Naturals also has Charcoal Deodorant fans are loving, you can get at both Credo and Ulta Beauty.

STYLECASTER | Ashley Benson Interview

 

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This Body Cream With Retinol Left Reviewers’ Skin Looking “Younger Every Day” After Use


If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Retinol is the master ingredient when it comes to anti-aging, but why focus solely on the face? Our biggest organ, the skin, is all over our body too—we need to take good care of this area as well. One way you can do this is supplementing your facial retinol with a retinol cream for your body. I’ve done some research and found one with a ton of five-star reviews that promises to reverse anti-aging and have healthier, fuller skin.

Deep wrinkles, fine lines, and sun damage be gone! Boost your collagen production and renew your skin. Made for dry, sensitive, and oily skin: you can use on all skin types. Sandwich this product in before body lotion to get the full effect—retinol is best to put on clean skin.

This retinol body cream and lotion is even great for hydrating dry skin. The best way to apply? Gently massage into skin using upward circular motions.

retinol body cream

Courtesy of Nuventin.

Nuventin Retinol Cream Face & Body Moisturizer Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid & Green Tea

Next level anti-aging ingredients inside this retinol body cream, including retinol or Vitamin A, hyaluronic acid, and green tea. Bonus points for the aloe vera that soothes and defends against irritation, plus the chamomile that protects against environmental damage and helps with puffiness.

Reviewers agree, saying not only is this item great for anti-aging, but great post-baby skin care. “Got this because I lost a lot of weight. This has been a lifesaver for my mommy apron! I was so self conscious about it after loosing so much weight. This stuff helped loads, and now my ‘apron’ is just about non existent.” Many users across the board are obsessed with the product—it has over 1,000 positive reviews.

Shop this retinol body cream now on Amazon before it sells out.

STYLECASTER | Ashley Benson Interview

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Do You Have a Happy or a Fulfilled Retirement?

Retirement

As you retire and start a new phase of your life, the metric for a successful retirement appears to be happiness. This may be a good measure of the first few years of retirement when people need time to get used to freedom and do activities difficult to achieve while working.

Although happiness is always welcomed, fulfillment is a more long-term and satisfying emotion. It will contribute to maintaining your physical and mental abilities over your 20- to 30-year retirement.

Happiness

Happiness is generally fleeting and often the result of a moment in time or nothing at all. I have woken up on occasion and felt happy, and probably you have too.

For no clear reason, I am much happier than the day before even though nothing has changed. My brain-generated happy drugs, like serotonin and oxytocin, are flooding my brain (and/or body), making me feel contentment for a few minutes or a few hours, or the whole day.

It is a fleeting feeling, whether caused by some wonderful occurrence or just because. It is difficult to make this happy state happen. Telling yourself that you are now happy may not be successful.

Happiness in retirement is more a pink-fairy, fluffy emotion that is largely in tune with former versions of retirement, which usually consisted of a short period of rest before dying.

The increased lifespan of the Baby Boom generation means 20–30 years of retirement. This is why 20 years of day-to-day retirement takes more thought and planning than if you are expecting only a few years of rest and leisure.

Fulfillment

Fulfillment, unlike happiness, is under your control. It requires planning, hard work, purpose, and passion. To achieve fulfillment, you have to:

  • set goals,
  • develop and put in place your plan to meet those goals,
  • remain persistent through setbacks, and
  • believe that you are on the right path.

Keeping Your Brain Younger

Happiness doesn’t involve much brain work, but fulfillment does, because working towards your goals is also good for your brain.

Fulfillment in retirement requires a plan. Many women who have left (or are planning to leave) the work force choose plans with several similar elements that stimulate the brain and improve mental health.

Memory

Better memory and decision-making skills correlate with having a purpose in life. This is true at an age.

Social Interaction

Social interaction takes planning and organisation. Maintaining or making new friends without the structure of work can be difficult, but it’s not unachievable. Studies have found that loneliness negatively affects mental health, so choosing to maintain and expand your social network is crucial.

Altruism

Contributing to others instead of focussing on yourself is also good for your brain. Altruism research shows that acting for others over time changes the way that we act and how we interact with others. It is possible that acting altruistically may help your mental health as well.

Passion

Finding your passion – the activity that you always wanted to do – is also good for health. Doing something new and rewiring the old pathways in your brain keeps you interested and vital.

The old pathways helped you perform your previous activities – pathways for work – and may no longer be of service to you. Finding new activities forces the brain to build new pathways to ignite your passion and keep you mentally young.

Fulfillment gives you a reason to get up in the morning. Fulfillment doesn’t equal happiness, but it does require activities that keep a brain running well. All of these have positive effect on your mind and, therefore, on your body. These activities help you feel younger as you keep your mind and body active.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

When was the last time that you woke up feeling happy without reasonable explanation? How do you feel when you do something for someone something with no expectation of receiving anything back? Is there an activity you have always wanted to do or explore but haven’t had the opportunity? If so, what is stopping you from planning to do it in your retirement, or if retired, exploring it now? Please share your thoughts and comments with our wonderful community.

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This Overnight Dry Shampoo Made My Hair Look Just-Washed — & It’s Safe & Aerosol-Free


If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

I’m someone who washes their hair pretty often, at least 2-3 times per week. My scalp isn’t exactly oily but my hair texture just doesn’t hold a style very long and needs to be redone. I like a lot of volume, which is why dry shampoo is key, especially when I’m traveling and don’t have my trusty Dyson Airwrap. On a recent trip, I tried Kaia Naturals Overnight Dry Shampoo and let me tell you, it changed the game. Allow me to explain.

You’ve probably heard the recent news that Unilever voluntarily recalled several dry shampoos due to potentially elevated levels of benzene, a human carcinogen. These are products produced prior to October 2021 from Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head) and TRESemmé. In a statement, Unilever said it was recalling these out of “an abundance of caution” and it had “received no reports of adverse events to date relating to this recall.”

Still, it has folks looking for dry shampoo alternatives. That’s why Kaia Naturals product developer Madame Sweat (that’s what she’s called!) has been going viral on TikTok as of late. Her video about the dangers of aerosol beauty products has more than one million views. As for me, I’m not throwing out all my aerosol products but I did decide to try her powder dry shampoo as an alternative I knew I could trust.

kaia_naturals dry shampoo

Credo Beauty.

I’ve used powder dry shampoo in the past and it was a mess, getting white powder all over my bathroom floor. This isn’t like that. It sprays easily into your roots and comes in two shades, Blonde and Brunette. I usually rub in my dry shampoo but Kaia Naturals’ is meant to soak into your scalp overnight so you just leave it as is. It smells fresh and clean but not overly fragranced (another pet-peeve of mine is a heavy scent!).

The ingredient list is one that’s easy to understand. It’s gluten-free, vegan and talc-free, instead made with absorbing ingredients such as oryza sativa (rice) starch, maranta arundinacea root (arrowroot) powder, tapioca starch, kaolin and carbo activatus (activated charcoal).

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

My roots are freshly highlighted so I used the Blonde shade. It’s a subtle tint so it’ll work on a variety of hair colors. When I woke up, I didn’t even notice the product. It absorbed fully and my hair looked like I stayed up to wash it instead of eating room service and passing out in the hotel room bed.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

I’m officially a convert and I have a feeling you will be too. And if you’re a fan of natural deodorant, Kaia Naturals also has Charcoal Deodorant fans are loving, you can get at both Credo and Ulta Beauty.

STYLECASTER | Ashley Benson Interview

 

Read More

Real Housewives Inspired Holiday Gifts From Saks Fifth Avenue

Real Housewives-Inspired Holiday Gifts From Saks Fifth Avenue

This post is a sponsored partnership between BigBlondeHair.com and Saks Fifth Avenue, although all thoughts and picks are our own. We receive a percentage of sales for items purchased from Saks Fifth Avenue through affiliate links in this post. The celebrity names mentioned are in no way affiliated with this post or endorsing any products mentioned.

The holiday season is upon us and there are a few things I have learned in my years of shopping for others, as well as in my years as Editor of Big Blonde Hair. First and foremost, there’s nothing more satisfying than finding the perfect gift to give, and finding it early. Is there anything like the feeling you get when you give (or get) that perfect gift you may not have even known you needed? And here’s my expert tip. Throughout the years I’ve begun to rely on items and brands we’ve spotted being used by our favorite Real Housewives as they are not ones to settle for anything that isn’t the best.

That’s why I’ve partnered with a name synonymous with luxury, Saks Fifth Avenue, to bring you a no fail gift guide with items starting at under $100. Whether you’re a Real Housewives fan or not, give the gift of luxury at a variety of price points this holiday season.

 

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

 

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If you’re looking for a gift to love for under $150, look no further than Saks Fifth Avenue. Even seeing the name on the box will give the recipient the feel of luxury, and the finds above are sure to wow even the hardest to shop for people in your life.

Averie Sleep Blue Zebra Pajamas seen on Garcelle Beauvais / Averie Sleep Green Tiger Pajamas seen on Lisa Barlow / Apparis Diana Slippers seen on Kyle Richards in green/ Baobab Collection Candle used by Kyle Richards / Big Blonde Hair Best Seller / Sugarfina Champagne Wishes / Ralph Lauren Bear Hat inspired by Kyle Richards’ Polo Bear sweaters / Gucci Gift Set / Cosabella Mens Pajamas / Bro Mask / Versace Slippers / Dannijo Earrings / Kate Spade Necklace / Averie Sleep Tiger Pajamas seen on Lisa Barlow / Averie Sleep Tiger Pajamas seen on Dorit Kemsley in Green

 

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If you’re looking for a gift under $500, Saks Fifth Avenue has a vast selection whether you’re shopping for the a world-traveler, a label-lover or even someone in need of some major self-care.

Skin Travel Pajama Set / Sleeper Feather Pajamas seen on Kathy Hilton in Black / Knesko Mask Set used by Kyle Richards / Versace Cards / Baccarat Butterfly gifted by Kathy Hiltion / Gucci Cuff Links / Givenchy Gloves / Michael Kors Watch / Balenciaga Hat / Cinq a Sept Embellished Sweater / Valentino Belt / Bottega Veneta SunglassesIsabel Marant Sweatshirt / Aviator Nation Hoodie

 

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If you’re looking for a gift under $1000 the selection of designer pieces at Saks Fifth Avenue are endless. If this is your budget I highly suggest pieces that your loved (or even liked) one will get a lot of use out of, like shoes or bags, statement-making sweatshirts or coats that will last for years to come.

Burberry Hooded Sweatshirt / Balenciaga Hooded Sweatshirt / Bottega Robe Green seen on Garcelle Beauvais / Bottega Robe Teal seen on Dorit Kemsley /  Dior Visor seen on Caroline Brooks / Canada Goose Puffer Coat / Gucci Shoes / Alexander McQueen Sneakers / Givenchy Sweatshirt / Gucci Espadrilles / Alice + Olivia Cardigan / Mackage Coat / Valentino Beanie

 

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If price is no object and you’re looking for some very special pieces, these picks from Saks Fifth Avenue will leave your loved-one smiling until next holiday season. Whether you’re looking for an “it” bag that will stand the test of time, the perfect timeless jacket or a cute Housewives-inspired logo cardigan, these pieces are sure to make someone’s holidays extra happy.

IRO Ashville Leather Jacket / Balenciaga Cardigan / Fendi Hoodie / Fendi Cardigan / Saint Laurent Tote / Burberry Trench / Max Mara Coat seen on Kyle Richards / David Yurman Ring / Valentino Roman Stud Bag / Valentino Platform Pumps seen on many Real Housewives in many colors / Bottega Veneta Bag seen on Meredith Marks + Heather Gay / Saint Laurent Boots / Off-White Bow Sandals

 

For the Kids from Saks:

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Other Gifts I Love from Saks:

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Originally posted at: Real Housewives Inspired Holiday Gifts From Saks Fifth Avenue

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