Kiehl's Argan Oil Hair Care

I've been using the highly recommended Alterna Caviar Shampoo and Conditioner for the past few months on my long, straight, fine, dry hair and was still waiting to see the magic when I got to the bottom of the bottles. The products were absolutely fine, but not spectacular enough to repurchase, certainly for the price, and I started searching for replacements. I've had a Kiehl's gift card burning a hole in my wallet forever and figured haircare was a good prospect since I dislike their skincare. I had used the Olive Oil line in the past but given that it contains parabens I opted for the sulfate and paraben free Argan line.

The Superbly Smoothing Argan Shampoo and Conditioner ($18 and $19 respectively) have a slight chemical scent and definitely won't have anyone coming up to you telling you you're hair smells fantastic. The shampoo does a decent job of cleaning the hair without terribly stripping and the conditioner feels very light but has tamed my static-y fly aways. My hair looks smooth and doesn't feel weighed down, and enable me to skip a day of washing my hair without looking greasy.

One small nitpicky issue--the packaging is so ugly! I don't mind the cheap, recyclable bottles since they are typical of the Kiehl's pared down aesthetic, but the color combination is not enticing or attractive. Nonetheless, the products have been working well and I intend to finish them.

Favorites Face of the Day

Today's face for this painfully cold day featured many of my tried-and-true favorite products. This is a look that's quick and easy for me to put together on days when I'm running late or can't figure decide what to wear.

• Rock and Republic shadows in Veil and Snakeskin
• Rock and Republic mousse blush in Rumor (this seems to be the only Rock and Republic product that doesn't show up for sale anymore which is a shame since it's a true holy grail. When it's finally done I'll be having it duped by Three Custom Color Specialists)
• Origins Multigrain Bronzer
• Scott Barnes Creme Color in Luster
• Bobbi Brown Forest Shimmer Ink
• True Cosmetics Lip Definer 1
• Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Baby (this is my second one and you can see it's nearly done. I have a backup waiting in the wings)
  

Finishing off the look were BE Matte in Porcelain on my T-Zone, It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye and tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes (which smears more than my beloved Korres mascara). Fragrance was Kiehls Vanilla perfume oil.

Five Recent Rediscoveries

When you frequently buy new makeup products, often old favorites tend to fall by the wayside. Over the last few days I was determined to get back to using some items I hadn't worn in a while. Here of some products I rediscovered in my collection and was really pleased with this week:

• Lancome Miel Glace Blush Subtil- this soft shimmery pinky bronzy beige hadn't been used in quite a while and now that I've rediscovered it, I remember why it's such a highly praised blush among makeup aficionados. It's a great everyday blush whether you're pale or simply want a subtle look (I guess it's obvious that I don't use those little in-compact applicators!).
• Laura Mercier Black Violet Kohl Eye Pencil- black is too harsh with my fair skin and light eyes, but plums and purples don't always provide enough contrast or drama. Black Violet is absolutely the best of both worlds--a deep dark violet shimmer married to a sooty black--with an unbeatable formula. This liner glides on and wears well on me. Amazing on the waterline as well!
• MAC Grain Eye Shadow-I am not the biggest MAC fan, but I spotted Grain in a Company Store (the invite-only version of the Cosmetic Company Outlet) and had to have it. It's a pretty peachy beige shimmer with a hint of taupe in the pan, but is even more flattering when applied than you'd expect. It really brightens up my whole eye and is perfect for a quick, polished look.
• Laura Mercier Stickgloss in Brown Sugar- this is a soft beigey brown mauve in a sheer, moisturizing base. A perfect go-to for work and works very well with Miel Glace.
• Kiehls Vanilla Essence- this tiny vial holds an ultra-concentrated perfume oil. Many vanillas give me a migraine but this doesn't. Kiehls' Vanilla is not a complex fragrance. To me it's vanilla blended with a tiny hint of cherry and almond that I find warm, simple and comforting.

Do You Work Out?

As I'm sitting here typing this, I'm wondering 3 things:

1. Should go to the gym today? Yes.
2. Is it somewhat perverse that I go to the gym, workout hard and come home and have onion rings? Probably. And does this mean I should give up the gym or the onion rings? Too close to call.
3. Does downloading good gym music constitute a workout? Unfortunately not.

I have a love-hate relationship with the gym. On the one hand I love what it does for my body and always feel better after a good workout, especially if I've been under stress. On the other, I really hate every second I'm on the machines and feel like working out makes me hungrier, which makes me eat more, which makes the need for the gym all the greater! It's a vicious cycle!

I keep going because I love anything fried and any baked good I've ever met, have a drawer full of adorable and expensive Lululemon workout gear and according to every magazine article on the topic I'm setting myself up for countless future illnesses, ailments and maladies should I forebear. Not to mention that my gym features Kiehls in the locker rooms.

So do you work out? How do you feel about it? The highlight of your day? A necessary evil? Or just evil? :)

Designer Fragrance and Cosmetic Company Outlet

Tucked away in some outlet malls and in the Loreal Building in New York City you might find true gems--Designer Fragrance and Cosmetic Company Outlets. The Estee Lauder owned Cosmetic Company Outlets receive a good deal of attention on various message boards for the 30% off retail, limited edition and discontinued products and undistributed gifts with purchase available for sale, but I always make sure to check out the Designer Fragrance and Cosmetic Company Outlets (DF&CCOs) for some amazing deals. DF&CCOs carry high end Loreal brand products (from Lancome to Giorgio Armani to Kiehls) and while the typical discount makes the shops worth a trip, their frequent blow outs draw me in. I picked up the following during one of their "4 for $40 sales."
They also frequently have prepackaged kits at unbelievable deals. I scored all of these brand new, perfect condition Shu Uemura products (4 shadows and 2 blushes) plus the palette for under $40. At retail, these would have cost me nearly $150!
You can Google for outlets in other areas of the country, but for NYCers, you'll find one at 575 5th.

Click images to enlarge.