Makeup, skin, and hair -- the good, the bad, the ugly

[andi9899]

LYS and Danessa Myricks are going to be having decent Black Friday sales. I will be partaking.

[azucena]

I want to buy DD14 a hair drying brush type thing.  She rarely uses a hair dryer and her straight hair tends to frizz.  thinking this is what she needs instead of a straightener, but set me straight if I'm on the wrong track.  Something with good reviews <$50 from amazon, target or ulta so it ships to my house.  Pls and thank you.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Dec 8, 2022 12:24:53 GMT -5 azucena said:

I want to buy DD14 a hair drying brush type thing.  She rarely uses a hair dryer and her straight hair tends to frizz.  thinking this is what she needs instead of a straightener, but set me straight if I'm on the wrong track.  Something with good reviews <$50 from amazon, target or ulta so it ships to my house.  Pls and thank you.

I got Gwen this one for Christmas.  It has good reviews and in general from my experience our best luck has been with Conair products.


www.amazon.com/dp/B084DRX9WV?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

[azucena]

Dec 8, 2022 13:43:26 GMT -5 NomoreDramaQ1015 said:

Dec 8, 2022 12:24:53 GMT -5 azucena said:

I want to buy DD14 a hair drying brush type thing.  She rarely uses a hair dryer and her straight hair tends to frizz.  thinking this is what she needs instead of a straightener, but set me straight if I'm on the wrong track.  Something with good reviews <$50 from amazon, target or ulta so it ships to my house.  Pls and thank you.

I got Gwen this one for Christmas.  It has good reviews and in general from my experience our best luck has been with Conair products.


www.amazon.com/dp/B084DRX9WV?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I worry about a round one getting stuck in her hair.  I've had a couple of mom friends get frantic phone calls about that.  Pretty sure I got a round brush stuck in my own hair around that age.

[azucena]

Ooo - I see there's a flat brush option in the same set.  Purchased!

[Pink Cashmere]

I love Sally Beauty’s 12 days of savings in December. Saturday (I think) will be 50% of shampoo, the next day, 50% off conditioners. And I think they’ll have a sale on styling stuff some other day.

I shop those sales every year, but I forgot last year, and I’m just now at the end of my stock on my go to’s. Those are pretty much the best prices I’ll get. The products I use aren’t exactly inexpensive, so I stock up on those sales and I’m good for a while.

They don’t sell my favorite styling gel, so I do have to buy it throughout the year.

[Pink Cashmere]

Do any of you use flat irons to straighten your hair?

I haven’t had any heat in my hair since I stopped relaxing it 5 years ago. I’ve occasionally used a diffuser on a blow dryer, but I don’t think that really counts lol.

I want to blow dry it and straighten it with flat irons, but I know nothing about flat irons and what to buy. I was a pro with curling irons when my hair was relaxed, but I’ve never used flat irons. I don’t know what brands work better, or even what size I should get. I’m leaning toward playing it safe and getting 1” irons. My hair is just below my shoulders, stretched out.

I want something that works well enough that I’ll only have to do one pass on my 4b/c/lmnop/z hair.

Any advice and/or suggestions are welcome!

[raeoflyte]

Well I'm not much help but my hair dresser recommended a ba-bybliss straightener to me. I've only used it once because I'm lazy but it seemed good if a little pricey @ $80.

[Pink Cashmere]

Dec 8, 2022 17:48:44 GMT -5 raeoflyte said:

Well I'm not much help but my hair dresser recommended a ba-bybliss straightener to me. I've only used it once because I'm lazy but it seemed good if a little pricey @ $80.

I’m lazy too! That’s why I want something that will give me desired results in the least amount of time lol. Without damaging my hair or it’s curl pattern. 

I’ve seen the babybliss flat iron products or whatever. I’ve checked them out, but not thoroughly, because I read reviews where they don’t seem to grip the hair tight enough. So then I started looking at the Chi products. Idk anything about that brand either.

I’ve resigned myself to spending around $100 for some good flat irons, even though I would’ve never spent that much for some curling irons back when my hair was relaxed and I knew how to deal with it. So I guess I need to buy flat irons from somewhere that has easy returns in case they don’t work for me and my hair.

[MarionTh230]

I used to flat iron my hair nearly every day.

link

This is the flat iron I have.  This is a newer model than what I have, since I bought mine quite a few years ago.  Otherwise, this is what I use.
Baybliss and Chi are both supposedly good/higher end brands.  I have 'heard' that Chi quality has declined in recent years.  I have no idea if that is true or not.  I have never used either brand so I have no personal experience - only gossip.

In my opinion, there are 3 things you want to look for in a flat iron.  # 1 - auto shut off.  Because you don't want to burn the house down if you forget to turn it off!  # 2 - ceramic plates.  These are common nowadays, but, that wasn't always the case.  My first two flat irons were metal plates.  The one I have now is my third.  # 3 - max temperature in the neighborhood of 400/425/450.

Having said that, there are two other important pieces you should consider.  If your main goal is to not damage your hair, you need a flat iron with adjustable temperature.  You should always use the lowest temperature possible to achieve the style you want.  And since you don't know what temperature you need, you should start out lower/medium before you move towards high to avoid inadvertent damage.  The other thing is, you need to use a heat protectant product.  Absolutely, positively, never ever-ever, heat style without a heat protectant!!!!  EVER!!!   That is even more important when you are playing around with a flat iron at 450 degrees!

In my experience, the heat protectant you choose can influence the style as much as and/or more than the flat iron.  At some point, if the flat iron is 'good enough' and 'hot enough' it will straighten the hair.  The issue is, getting it to stay straight without flyaways, but without looking greasy, while not losing all luster, etc, etc, etc.  I prefer heat protectant sprays.  But, I also don't have your hair texture.  If you see a heat protect serum or heat protect lotion that looks like it would work for you, definitely try it.

A 1 inch flat iron should work fine for you.  No need to go larger.  1 inch should be common as well which should give you a lot choices.  Which may be a good thing (or an information overload).  

[daisylu]

Dec 8, 2022 16:06:09 GMT -5 Pink Cashmere said:

Do any of you use flat irons to straighten your hair?

I haven’t had any heat in my hair since I stopped relaxing it 5 years ago. I’ve occasionally used a diffuser on a blow dryer, but I don’t think that really counts lol.

I want to blow dry it and straighten it with flat irons, but I know nothing about flat irons and what to buy. I was a pro with curling irons when my hair was relaxed, but I’ve never used flat irons. I don’t know what brands work better, or even what size I should get. I’m leaning toward playing it safe and getting 1” irons. My hair is just below my shoulders, stretched out.

I want something that works well enough that I’ll only have to do one pass on my 4b/c/lmnop/z hair.

Any advice and/or suggestions are welcome!

I used to, until I came across an "L shape" iron in a thrift shop a couple of years ago. I had to replace it after DH stepped on the plug and broke one of the prongs. THIS is what I use now. So much more versatile. 

[raeoflyte]

Dec 9, 2022 7:52:15 GMT -5 daisylu said:

Dec 8, 2022 16:06:09 GMT -5 Pink Cashmere said:

Do any of you use flat irons to straighten your hair?

I haven’t had any heat in my hair since I stopped relaxing it 5 years ago. I’ve occasionally used a diffuser on a blow dryer, but I don’t think that really counts lol.

I want to blow dry it and straighten it with flat irons, but I know nothing about flat irons and what to buy. I was a pro with curling irons when my hair was relaxed, but I’ve never used flat irons. I don’t know what brands work better, or even what size I should get. I’m leaning toward playing it safe and getting 1” irons. My hair is just below my shoulders, stretched out.

I want something that works well enough that I’ll only have to do one pass on my 4b/c/lmnop/z hair.

Any advice and/or suggestions are welcome!

I used to, until I came across an "L shape" iron in a thrift shop a couple of years ago. I had to replace it after DH stepped on the plug and broke one of the prongs. THIS is what I use now. So much more versatile. 

I can't open your link.

[daisylu]

Dec 9, 2022 10:03:16 GMT -5 raeoflyte said:

Dec 9, 2022 7:52:15 GMT -5 daisylu said:

I used to, until I came across an "L shape" iron in a thrift shop a couple of years ago. I had to replace it after DH stepped on the plug and broke one of the prongs. THIS is what I use now. So much more versatile. 

I can't open your link.

Weird, it works for me. Try this one .

[raeoflyte]

Dec 9, 2022 10:25:07 GMT -5 daisylu said:

Dec 9, 2022 10:03:16 GMT -5 raeoflyte said:

I can't open your link.

Weird, it works for me. Try this one .

Thank you!

[azucena]

One ulta order delivered and then they sent $10/30 so I shopped again.

Pls with the small elf eyeshadow that I got for myself. Caboodle for dd10, forgot that it came with items inside so adding in what she already bought in target a couple months ago, she's off to a great makeup career.

[andi9899]

Dec 8, 2022 16:06:09 GMT -5 Pink Cashmere said:

Do any of you use flat irons to straighten your hair?

I haven’t had any heat in my hair since I stopped relaxing it 5 years ago. I’ve occasionally used a diffuser on a blow dryer, but I don’t think that really counts lol.

I want to blow dry it and straighten it with flat irons, but I know nothing about flat irons and what to buy. I was a pro with curling irons when my hair was relaxed, but I’ve never used flat irons. I don’t know what brands work better, or even what size I should get. I’m leaning toward playing it safe and getting 1” irons. My hair is just below my shoulders, stretched out.

I want something that works well enough that I’ll only have to do one pass on my 4b/c/lmnop/z hair.

Any advice and/or suggestions are welcome!

I've had this one for years and love it.

www.target.com/p/infiniti-pro-by-conair-flat-iron-1-34/-/A-52634119

You may get pretty close to one pass if you set the heat higher and take your time on each pass. If not, it'll get close. I have 3 c hair and I set it at 380* and get pretty close on one slow pass.

[Pink Cashmere]

I almost forgot to order my shampoo today at Sally’s for 50% off. Hopefully I can remember to order conditioner tomorrow. 

I finally stopped experimenting so much with products these last 3 years or so, and I mostly stick to what works for my hair now. That makes it easy to stock up.

The Infinity flat iron seems to be popular. I am still indecisive. The 2 things I remember being important with curling irons is that they close tightly enough and get hot enough. I do plan on figuring out the lowest heat setting I can use for my hair, but if lower settings don’t work for me, I need them to be capable of getting hot enough. I should probably just go to Target and buy the Infinity if they have it, so it’s not a hassle to return it if I need to.

[azucena]

Pink - for things like this, I just set myself smartphone alarm or make a calender entry to go off and remind me.

Eta - my family makes fun of me for it but it keeps me organized and slightly unclutters my head.

[MarionTh230]

Dec 10, 2022 19:27:52 GMT -5 Pink Cashmere said:

I almost forgot to order my shampoo today at Sally’s for 50% off. Hopefully I can remember to order conditioner tomorrow. 

I finally stopped experimenting so much with products these last 3 years or so, and I mostly stick to what works for my hair now. That makes it easy to stock up.

The Infinity flat iron seems to be popular. I am still indecisive. The 2 things I remember being important with curling irons is that they close tightly enough and get hot enough. I do plan on figuring out the lowest heat setting I can use for my hair, but if lower settings don’t work for me, I need them to be capable of getting hot enough. I should probably just go to Target and buy the Infinity if they have it, so it’s not a hassle to return it if I need to.

Nowadays it is easy to get a flat iron that will get hot enough. 450 degrees is pretty common. I think you will be OK on heat with just about anything you buy these days.

Yes, with curling irons you need grip to hold the curl. No doubt. Flat irons are a little different. If I close mine the plates touch. You don't want grip like a curling iron because it will get stuck. But, you still need to hold the hair between the plates. I don't know that I can explain it well. It may be one of those things where you just have to do it to get a feel for it if that makes sense? This is also why 1 inch is pretty common. Seems to be the right amount for most people to hold the hair while still having good control on where you are putting the heat and for how long.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

[mention]pinkcashmere [/mention]

I have a Dyson straightener. They’re ungodly expensive, but they are fantastically lovely.

[andi9899]

Dec 10, 2022 19:27:52 GMT -5 Pink Cashmere said:

I almost forgot to order my shampoo today at Sally’s for 50% off. Hopefully I can remember to order conditioner tomorrow. 

I finally stopped experimenting so much with products these last 3 years or so, and I mostly stick to what works for my hair now. That makes it easy to stock up.

The Infinity flat iron seems to be popular. I am still indecisive. The 2 things I remember being important with curling irons is that they close tightly enough and get hot enough. I do plan on figuring out the lowest heat setting I can use for my hair, but if lower settings don’t work for me, I need them to be capable of getting hot enough. I should probably just go to Target and buy the Infinity if they have it, so it’s not a hassle to return it if I need to.

Reminder to order today.

[Pink Cashmere]

Dec 11, 2022 9:33:44 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

Dec 10, 2022 19:27:52 GMT -5 Pink Cashmere said:

I almost forgot to order my shampoo today at Sally’s for 50% off. Hopefully I can remember to order conditioner tomorrow. 

I finally stopped experimenting so much with products these last 3 years or so, and I mostly stick to what works for my hair now. That makes it easy to stock up.

The Infinity flat iron seems to be popular. I am still indecisive. The 2 things I remember being important with curling irons is that they close tightly enough and get hot enough. I do plan on figuring out the lowest heat setting I can use for my hair, but if lower settings don’t work for me, I need them to be capable of getting hot enough. I should probably just go to Target and buy the Infinity if they have it, so it’s not a hassle to return it if I need to.

Reminder to order today.

Thanks! I ordered as soon as I saw this.

[azucena]

Careful pink. Andi is a well-kmown ulta enabler.

[chiver78]

first time poster, not even long time lurker. but I have a particular question - do brands change ingredients in their makeup often? I know makeup is FDA regulated here in the US, but the rules/guidelines are a lot different than what i'm used to in pharma. 

I recently went through all of my makeup and bought new stuff before starting to travel for work again. caveat: I use Mary Kay, Neutrogena, Maybelline, and Almay. I'm not allergic to any of the above. my allergies tend to be line-wide, so if anything in a line is okay, I'm good for all of it. 

the specific question - the mascara I'd used forever was apparently discontinued since the last time I bought it, so I picked something else by the same brand. I spent Mon/Tues in my flavor of "fully made up" and washed my face after removing makeup both nights. most of yesterday, and all of today, I feel like there's still something in my eye at the corner. last night after removing makeup, I did a full eye flush before I jumped in the shower. I can't find anything in my eye, even still. I'm starting to wonder if it's an allergic reaction to *something* in the new mix. 

[CCL]

Chiver they do sometimes change ingredients. I have allergies, too, to all nuts and have had severe reactions. I read all ingredients on every product prior to purchase. I've even purchased products based on the online ingredients and when they arrived the labeled ingredients were different.

It's kinda crazy all the nut derivatives in cosmetics. Almond oil is common. Macadamia oil and walnut shells are a couple of others.

I would never trust any product line to include or exclude the same ingredients in all their products.

eta: You don't wear contacts, do you? I've even had allergic reactions to saline solutions I had used for years.

Occasionally I've had mascara flake and get into my eye, but it got better quickly after rinsing it out.

[chiver78]

nope, no contacts. this feels like an eyelash, or a strand of LD's fur, is just irritating the outer corner of my eye/eyelid.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Dec 15, 2022 7:41:04 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

nope, no contacts. this feels like an eyelash, or a strand of LD's fur, is just irritating the outer corner of my eye/eyelid.

Maybe a stye?

[chiver78]

Dec 15, 2022 15:25:23 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Dec 15, 2022 7:41:04 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

nope, no contacts. this feels like an eyelash, or a strand of LD's fur, is just irritating the outer corner of my eye/eyelid.

Maybe a stye?

isn't that a bump? there's no bump. and it only started bugging me after 2 days of wearing makeup this week. now that I think about it, I was slightly irritated after wearing it once to go out a few weeks ago. 

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Dec 15, 2022 16:42:12 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

Dec 15, 2022 15:25:23 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Maybe a stye?

isn't that a bump? there's no bump. and it only started bugging me after 2 days of wearing makeup this week. now that I think about it, I was slightly irritated after wearing it once to go out a few weeks ago. 

For me, it starts out as an irritation.  I couldn’t feel any bumps until later.

[chiver78]

fair enough. I'm already way less irritated today than when I posted. so I'm leaning it's something with the makeup. so I guess I need to figure out a new mascara for when I need to actually be presentable in something other than pajamas.