A Twisted Updo for Prom, Homecoming, Winter Formal and Weddings.

When looking for an updo hairstyle for prom, I scoured over Pinterest for days looking inspiration. It was hard to find one that I liked, so I brought my hairstylist multiple pictures and together, we figured out I wanted a twisted updo with a lot of pieces and some hair left in front.

Here is the process. My hair was sectioned and twisted in various ways, eight different times.

 

In the end, we decided I had left too much hair out front, so we twisted another piece, around the side and secured it into one of the back twists. It sort of looked like a bohemian style crown.

It only took about 35 minutes from start to finish. The secret to a successful updo is unwashed and unconditioned hair. I washed my hair one day prior to the Prom, but didn't condition it that day. Working with "dirty" hair is easier and it stayed better.

I plan to wear a similar style for homecoming, the winter formal and a wedding I have coming up this fall. I need to get back to Pinterest for more inspiration for my Senior prom next year.

Can you tell I had a blast at Prom?

Jordin Sparks Stocks Up on L’Oréal Paris EverCurl & My Curly Hair Savior.

I love it when I know that a real celeb shops for real products and good ones at that. I love Jordin Sparks and her curly hair. She recently stocked up on some L’Oréal Paris EverCurl products at a Los Angeles Walgreens store.

The NEW L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Sulfate-Free Curl Care System is a good one. In fact, it is the first-to-mass sulfate-free system designed specifically for women with curls. EverCurl delivers on the top concerns of curly girls – moisture, definition and shine. The line offers customized hair care that suits all curl types – from loose waves to tight curls.  This new, six-piece collection features a 2-in-1 Cleansing Conditioner – a low-poo, gentle option for simultaneously cleansing and conditioning curls, along with a slew of hair styling products.

I have almost curly hair. It is more than wavy, but not kinky curly. I learn to love my curls come summer when I hate to heat style it. I am obsessed with EverCurl Hydracharge Leave-In Cream.

Two pumps of this cream spread though my hair and my long hair and loose natural curls are soft, silky and frizz free. I can finally let my hair air dry and look gorgeous thanks to this curl savior.

Shop for L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Sulfate-Free Curl Care System products at chain drug, food and mass market retailers. The Shampoos & Conditioners are just $6.99 each and the styling products retails for $8.99 each.

Teen Acne Solutions.

I'm not sure if you have told you that I am pretty lucky to have pretty good skin. I have not really had an issue with acne. Hey, I do get a pimple every now and then, but I don't think I have ever had more than two at a time and once they are gone, I am blemish free for weeks. When I have a pimple though, it seems like that is all everyone looks at, doesn't it? I can't even imagine having to deal with blemishes on a daily basis. 

My brothers actually get more break outs than me. Joey gets them on his chin but only when wearing his chin strap for football.  With all that sweat and dirt in there, no wonder he has started to get a few pimples. Justin and Johnny get them on their forehead, and I swear it is because they wear hats a lot. Of course, being a little wiser, I would probably just stop wearing the baseball hats all the time and give the skin a chance to breathe! They never listen to me though, so I asked them to help me put a few products to the test.

We found the following acne products to really work!

Alba Botanica® Natural ACNEdote Clean 'n Treat Towelettes - $5.99
Give zits the one-two punch! This two-in-one medicated cleanser is infused with natural Willow Bark Extract that naturally sweeps up dirt, sweat, makeup and grime then deposits maximum strength 2% Salicylic Acid acne medication deep into pores to stop pimples where they start. Skin is cleansed without a trace of excess oil or dryness caused by over-irritation. I've had Joey use these as soon as he comes in from football and it is really helping to clean and clear his skin.

L’Oréal Paris Go 360˚ Clean Anti-Breakout - $6.99
Go 360˚ Clean Anti-Breakout is an anti-acne formula that’s clinically-proven to help eliminate blemishes, pimples and blackheads while cleansing It is specially formulated with 2% Salicylic Acid to exfoliate, open clogged pores and remove bacteria, and Glycerin to hydrate the skin so it doesn't get too dry. The signature Scrublet™ helps to apply, which really works so much better than just hands. It's a soft, flexible disc that applies a rich lather that goes deep – unclogging pores and gently removing traces of dirt, oil and makeup. I've been using this at night and Johnny & Joey have a bottle in their shower to use every day too.  I think it is really great to treat the skin while getting it as clean as it can be.

bliss no ‘zit’ sherlock breakout-busting rubberizing mask - $38.00 for 6 masks
My brothers wouldn't dare try this, but I wish this would because it has done such a great job at shrinking my pores. Small, clear pores = clear skin. It's a totally cool mask that has a rubber texture! It is designed to temporarily take over the skin’s surface to purge pores and absorb impurities and allows the mask’s key ingredients to be optimally absorbed by the skin. This mask is packed with pore-de-clogging, oil-absorbing, super-soothing ingredients like tea tree, willow and menthol extracts and nourishing, detoxifying seaweed. Ultimately, it helps control oil, prevent future break outs and even helps to fade break outs. This weekly seaweed mask is a must.

Proactiv 3-Step System - $19.95
These three daily products which make up three steps, are made to transform acne-prone skin.

• Step 1: Renewing Cleanser - This cleanser contains prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide (2.5%), with advanced micro crystals that quickly penetrate pores to start killing acne-causing bacteria on contact. At the same time, chamomile extract and other soothing ingredients help keep skin balanced and hydrated.
• Step 2: Revitalizing Toner - Glycolic acid (5%), a botanical-rich blend of chamomile, aloe and panthenol combine to remove dead skin cells while hydrating and soothing to help achieve an even-toned complexion.
• Step 3: Repairing Treatment - This medicated lotion absorbs deep into pores and contains prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide (2.5%), with ultra fine micro-crystals, that go quickly into cleansed, open pores to start killing acne-causing bacteria on contact.

Justin has been using all three products and has seen a huge improvement in the acne on his forehead.  The rest of us are just using the repairing treatment to spot treat our pimple prone areas.

Now, if you have severe acne, you need to tell your parents that you need to see your doctor.  There are a some really great prescription products that can help in addition to the over the counter products I recommended.