This stuff is awesome for those rush around days where you just don't have time to wash your hair. I have a Pilates class in the middle of my day, and dry shampoo is perfect to touch up hair after a workout. No one wants to show up to biology class looking like greasy pete after a workout. Dry shampoo is most commonly used in an aerosol spray can and sprayed on the hair like hairspray. It works by soaking up any excess grease and freshening up your hair in between washes. My favorite brand is Batiste - available in plenty of scents at Ulta, but Walmart also carries a couple of the flavors for the same price. My personal favorite flavor is Blush. :) The only con is that sometimes if you spray the product too close to your scalp it can leave white powered residue. If you are blonde this isn't a problem, but if you have dark hair I would suggest getting the colored dry shampoo (also available through Batiste at Ulta) with an Ulta coupon you can get a full size can for around $6.
2. Turbie Twist
I had seen these before and thought they looked pretty cool, but it wasn't until I got one for Christmas did I realize how seriously great these are. A Turbie Twist is like a mini head towel shaped to wrap your hair in while you wait for it to dry after a shower, or to pull your hair back to do makeup in. The little elastic on the back makes it easy to tie your hair up in the towel and pin it back. It's super lightweight and doesn't give you headaches like a bulky towel does. The microfibers dry your hair faster than a regular towel does as well! Click the link to see some fun Turbie Twist colors and variations. They are available at Walgreens, Walmart, Amazon, Bed Bath and Beyond, Sally's Beauty, and most drug stores. The only complaint I have is that if you have really thick hair that tangles easily you might not want to leave your hair thrown up in the Turbie for very long, or your hair could become very tangled. And not the pretty Rapunzel kind of tangled! The price varies depending on if you get a package, but they are usually around $5-$10.
3. Aromatherapy Lotion/Pillow Spray/Shower Gel
I got the Aromatherapy Stress Relief hand lotion and shower gel for Christmas from Bath and Body Works. At first I just thought it was a good smelling lotion, but it works so well! I'm not completely sure if it's just a mind game, but either way it seems to relieve stress. Bath and Body works sells a bunch of different scents each infused with essential oils tailored to a specific purpose. For example there is Stress Relief, Sleep, and even an Energy scent. I have the Eucalyptus Spearmint Stress Relief lotion and pillow spray. I love being able to spray the pillow spray on my pillow and blanket before going to sleep! My friend went out of state to college and she says the Lavender Sleep pillow spray helps her fall asleep each night and reminds her of home. Definitely a must for a good bedtime routine, and the lotion is also great for yoga practice.
4. Aquaphor Lip Repair
I have very sensitive skin complete with endless dermatology allergies. Aquaphor Lip Repair balm is the only chapstick or lip gloss that I can use without getting an allergic reaction. I love it! It's scentless and colorless so it leaves a clean sheer when used while hydrating as well. Living in Logan means cold dry weather and cracked lips, but I have never had that problem with Aquaphor. You can get it at Walmart or most drug stores for
5. Pureology Shampoo/Conditioner
This stuff comes at a pretty penny, but it literally saved my hair. Before using these products my hair was a disaster! It was dry, had product damage, color damage, and was only barley shoulder length without any growth. My hairstylist recommended using Pureology and it has made so much differences! My hair is thicker, and seven inches longer in one year with all damaged erased! Pureology has different strains like hydrating, color, etc. but I personally use the hydrating kind. You can buy it at any beauty store, but I personally like getting it at Ulta with a coupon.
6. Shimmer Lights
This shampoo works wonders for blonde hair. It is a purple shampoo that sits on your hair for 5-10 minutes and reduces the amount of yellow brassiness that builds up from heat and discoloration. It can be used to strip the hair of color, however, so keep track of how long you keep it on your hair. I have white blonde hair and use Shimmer Lights every two weeks for 15 minutes. It is especially effective after getting your hair colored if you don't like the bright yellow tone and want to go more pale blonde. I get it for under ten dollars at Sally's Beauty Supply.
7. Real Technique Makeup Brushes
If I were ordering these by favorite products, this would be number one. Real Technique Makeup Brushes are amazing!! I could go on and on about how much I love them, but i'll try to control my raving about them. You can buy a set of four brushes for as much as one Mac or Clinique makeup brush costs. They come in a whole bunch of different varieties depending on the coverage and style of brush and makeup you are looking for. I love the Core Collection and the Starter Kit. I then added on the Blush Brush and the Expert Face Brush. These brushes have lasted me longer than a year and they are still in perfect condition, not one bristle has fallen out. Again.... I love getting these at Ulta with a coupon, they often have buy one get one 50% off, combined with a coupon can often get you nine makeup brushes for $30!
8. Gel Nail Kit
I got this as a Santa gift for Christmas one year and I love it! I use the Red Carpet Manicure Pro 45 Started Kit available at Ulta. For the amount of nail care you get it is actually a pretty fair price. The color gets cured onto your fingernails under an LED light. The color lasts for three weeks without chipping and peeling. Which means you can go forever in between painting your nails and still having them look great!!:) When you are majoring in ASL having your nails looking decent is recommended.
9. Cuticle Oil
This comes in the Gel Nail Kit, but you can also buy it separately for a couple of bucks. It goes right on your nail beds and around your fingernail to keep dry skin to a minimum and reduce hang nails. Daily use is great, and is available at any beauty store.
10. Clinique Three Step Skin Care
For sensitive skin this stuff is great. It comes in a three step of soap, clarifier, and moisturizer lotion. It keeps the skin clean and free of dirt and grime that tends to build up. It does build up in price, but there are deals you can use at Clinique and it is definitely worth the price.
