Beauty Break: Steam the Face

Ever since getting my hair steamer I've been enjoying the many benefits of steam.  Up next?  Steam for the face, nothing too crazy and it's completely free.  All I do is use the power of the steam from my regular showers to amp up my facial cleanser.  What cleanser, you ask?  Biore Steam Activated Cleanser. 

Product Description:  Enliven your daily cleansing cleansing with the energizing effects of Biore Steam Activated Clearnser, a revitalizing formula that transforms a ho-hum shower into an invigorating, multi-sensory experience.  The gel facial cleanser harnesses the power of steam in your shower to deliver a pore-clearing deep clean, recharging your average morning routine while detoxifying  your skin.   

AHS Thoughts:  I'm on a bit of a strict skin care regimen from my dermatologist, but I've added in this new Biore product because it's soap-free, paraben-free and non-pore clogging.  I use this cleanser after my shift at the hospital to totally deep clean my skin, I want every trace of the hospital gone from my skin before I hit my pillow.  This cleanser is looks like a gel, but turns into a thick and lush foam that thorough cleanses my face without stripping it and drying me out.  I'm not totally sure the steam from the shower actually amps up the cleansing but my skin loves it!  

Availability:  Drugstores and supermarkets around your way for about $8

What is Damp Bunning

What is Damp Bunning?  Damp bunning is when you put your damp hair in a bun!  Simple as that.

Why Damp Bun?  Damp bunning is a process that is done to help keep the ends of your hair moist.  Keeping moisture in type 3-4 hair is super important because it's when hair is lacking moisture that it begins to break.

How to Damp Bun?  After washing, conditioning, and deep conditioning allow your hair to dry partially and then put your damp hair in a bun.  Another way you could damp bun is to spritz your ends with moisturizer and add some conditioner to the ends and then just throw it up in a bun.     

What is a Pre-Poo

What is a Pre-Poo?  Pre-Poo is a shortened term for Pre-Shampoo.  Very simply put, pre-pooing is the process of treating your hair before you shampoo.  A Pre-poo is not to be confused with deep conditioning which is normally done after shampooing, pre-poo is a completely separate thing and just because you pre-poo doesn't mean you should skip the deep conditioner. 

Why Pre-Poo?  The benefits of pre-pooing include increase shine, easier detangling, increased moisturizing and strength.  Also, if you use a drying shampoo (something full of sulfates) a pre-poo can sort of prep your hair and help it stand up the shampoo, which means it will be less likely to feel squeaky clean and stripped of all it's moisture.

What should I use?  I like to use coconut oil and steam or my favorite conditioner plus steam.  You can basically use whatever you want.

Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s Essence Absolue

The newest mainstream thing seems to be to call a serum an oil.  For my readers, you would know the difference between an oil and serum instantly, the feel on your fingers, the way it feels in your hair, etc.  Shu Uemura Art of Hair's Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil is called an oil but I'm sticking it into the serum category.  Even still Essence Absolue is awesome!  The scent is heavenly due to the fragrance of camellia petal and it adds amazing amounts of shine to my hair.  Perfect for use during blow-drying to add shine and hold down some flyaways.   

Now I'll skip to the downside, it's super pricey at $65.00 if you have to money then why not, but if not there are other products out there for less money that will give you comparable results. 

Availability: ShuUemuraArtofHair.com   

Food & Hair Connection: Tomatoes

Expert nutritionist, Paula Simpson says antioxidant compounds found in tomatoes and similar fruits and veggies fight damage caused by free radicals which makes the skin look younger and more radiant.  With that being said eat up some tomatoes!

Or you can try your hand a tomato laden beauty products!

Davines Conditioner, NouNou Illluminating with Tomato Extract for Colour Treated Hair - Davines NOUNOU Illuminating Cream Conditioner from Italy is for treated and colored hair. This conditioner gives exceptional moisturizing and revitalizing action that, thanks to the exceptional moisturizing power of its components, acts selectively in response to the specific needs of moisturizing.  The addition of Tomato Extract protects hair from free radicals as it works synergistically with Rhizobian Gum to maintain hair color’s vibrancy by selectively releasing moisturizers according to your hair’s needs. Davines Nounou Conditioner will illuminate your color treated hair leaving it rich, vibrant and full of life and body.

Deal Spotter: Folica.com for $19.99

Yes to Tomatoes Tremendous Tomato Daily Volumizing Conditioner - Your hair and scalp need hydration as much as the rest of your body! Our Tremendous Tomato Daily Volumizing Conditioner is enriched with Dead Sea Minerals and Lycopene (from organic tomatoes) to revitalize your hair. This delicious conditioner will enhance your hair’s natural body and shine.

Deal Spotter: DrugStore.com for $8.99