I’ve talked before about hair and how for some of us, myself included, it is a defining characteristic…
THE STORY
…In my case I suppose it’s obvious. It’s kind of difficult for red/rose gold/pink ombre hair to not be a defining characteristic. It also makes it difficult if I’m trying to lay low in public; it’s probably a good thing that I don’t live a life of crime because it wouldn’t take much detective work to identify me.
There are a number of beauty products that I’m pretty brand loyal to, but shampoo and conditioner aren’t one of them. On a side note, perhaps I’ll do a post about the beauty products that I do love…is that something you guys would be interested in?
Back to hair products though. Over the years it has been my experience that as far as styling products go, there isn’t a huge difference between drugstore and high end products. I have honestly never tried a salon styling product that I absolutely could not live without. Shampoo and conditioner is another story though. While I have never found my “holy grail” shampoo and conditioner, it has been my experience that salon brands do perform better than drugstore shampoos and conditioners. Like any beauty related products, some high end brands simply do not work for me; I’m talkin’ to you Redken. Although the salon where I get my hair cut is a Redken salon, I have never liked how my hair feels after using any of their products. Perhaps it’s the ingredients, perhaps it’s a body chemistry thing…who knows.
While it’s true that my hair is typically softer and easier to get under control if I use high end shampoo and conditioner, as I said, I’ve never found a brand that was “the one”. I’m hoping that all of that is about to change though. I was approached a few months ago in regard to being a beta tester for a new company, Formulate. The premise is that after filling out a brief, but detailed survey, Formulate’s chemists will produce a very specific shampoo and conditioner tailored to your specific hair needs…right down to the environmental conditions where you live. You even get to choose the fragrance or lack thereof which in my opinion is fabulous because while I love a pretty smelling shampoo, I don’t want it to overwhelm the fragrance that I wear.
Does it work? That I can’t answer yet, as my shampoo and conditioner is currently being produced. Of course I will be providing a full review once I receive the products though. Am I intrigued? Absolutely…and I’m actually a little bit excited to try my personalized shampoo and conditioner because the concept of fully personalized shampoo/conditioner is such a cool idea.
As an introduction to Formulate, I’m excited to offer you guys a chance to win a customized set of your own to try out. Simply click this link to enter (and to get a peek at my personalized hair profile)! The contest closes July 24th and the randomly selected winner will be notified via email.
Another cool offer that Formulate has for my readers…since the platform launch was only yesterday and they are still in the beta phase of production, not just anyone can order product at this point in time. But I have in my possession, 10 early invite access codes if you are curious like me and interested in checking out your own personalized shampoo/conditioner right now. Here are the details if you’re interested in ordering:
- The initial package for early invite code users is $130 (shipping included), for a 3 shipment supply. Each shipment includes a 450mL (15 oz) bottle of your custom made shampoo and conditioner. Depending on your hair washing habits, each set will last you from 6 to 9 weeks. That’s about $43 per set which is definitely well above drugstore range, but also below the cost of most salon brands.
- There’s a MONEY BACK GUARANTEE…If you aren’t happy with your initial shipment and do not wish to continue with the feedback/reformulation process for future shipments you can initiate a FULL REFUND within the first 30 days of use.
- If you fully use your initial shipment, but do not want to continue with the second and third, you can cancel prior to the second shipment and receive a partial refund.
- Again, there are never sulfates, parabens or any ingredients tested on animals. Formulate is happy to address any allergies that you may have, simply email them at support@formulate.co.
If you are interested, simply shoot me an email and I’ll be happy to provide you with an early invite access code!
THE OUTFIT
I’m keeping this short and sweet…the story portion was lonnnggg today! Short or not, this ombre ruffled top deserves some love. Most of us (well, at least me) like to shop. Every once in awhile though, something catches our eye and we have to have it. This top was one of those things for me. I saw it on Instagram and that was all she wrote. The subtle ruffles, the cute ombre embroidery…ya…love. It’s currently on super giant sale, so if you’re interested you’d better get on it!
I kept it casual with my denim Levis shorts and the cute espadrille wedges that I unearthed in my attic. They’ve been there for years and I figured I’d give them one more shot before I decided whether or not they were goners. I’m sad to report that as cute as they are, this is their last outing. They are going to have to go in the next closet purge because they are just too uncomfortable on my right foot which is the one that I had surgery on last year. No sense in them sitting unloved taking up space in attic I suppose.
THE TIP
Sometimes things have just got to go. Even if it’s something that is really pretty and that you wished you could wear, it’s still gotta go. Prettiness aside, if a piece of clothing, pair of shoes, purse, etc doesn’t fit, isn’t comfortable or just really isn’t your style anymore, it’s best to let go. On the bright side, that frees up space for something that you really love and will actually wear.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Top: Stein Mart; Shorts: Levis (Similar); Shoes: Similar
