BEAUTY FILE: KERASTASE REFLECTION COLLECTION

As a blogger, I am fortunate in that I get to test a ton of beauty and haircare products. Of course, I am always open to trying out new things, but along the way, I have definitely developed some favorites. The Kerastase Reflection line is one of those newly favorited product launches.

When Kerastase reached out, I was eager to see what they recommended for my hair.  A few years ago, I had a bad cellophane treatment that left my hair dry and prone to breakage. In 2017, I reluctantly dyed my hair for the first time, which resulted in my hair turning a shade too dark for my liking. In order to counteract the black shade, I got highlights. The bleach killed my hair.  I've been growing it out ever since, trying to do what I can to restore it.

I have been using the Kerastase Reflection line, consistently, for over three months. My hair is stronger, and softer. It also has a lot more shine. I use the Sulfate Free Shampoo for color treated hair and the Reflection Mask. I do use a drugstore shampoo for my first shampoo, then follow it with the shampoo from the line. I leave the conditioning mask on anywhere from 5-10 minutes. I really coat my hair in the mask and use a good amount.  The conditioning mask has lasted me a full three months. I still haven't gone through a full bottle of the shampoo.  These are high end products which are worth the investment.

Natural hair, no product, and air dried after washing / conditioning with Kerastase Reflection Shampoo and Mask

Kerastase is having a sale on their website. You can now get the Reflection Holiday Gift Set for a special price.  The line is carried at my local CVS. Sephora has also recently started carrying Kerastase!

If you have tried these products out, please leave a comment letting me know what your experience has been.

Kerastase sent me the products in the Reflection line. This post is not sponsored. 

Natural hair, no product, and air dried after washing / conditioning with Kerastase Reflection Shampoo and Mask

MALLY BEAUTY MALLYWOOD COLLECTION

When I received this package from Mally with their Mallywood collection, I was really excited. Years ago, when Mally first debuted on QVC, my mom and I would watch her promote her products. She's really fun, vibrant and has so much passion that she pours into her brand. She really stands behind her products, and if any of you have ever tested items from her line, you know why.

The Mallywood spring collection is limited edition and available online at Ulta, and the Mally website. It features:

• highlighting blush ($28)
• smokey mama mascara ($20)
• wazza wazzup ombre highlighting trio ($32)
• limited edition eye shadow palette ($29)

Swatches after the cut: 

No.7 Match Made Makeup

As far as affordable makeup goes, No.7 is a great line to check out. The brand is established, and reasonably priced. They recently launched the Match Made app and product line, a group of products that are tailor-made for your skin tone and type.  Download the Match Made app online, and get started. Here's how it works:

• Pick up the Match Made card at your local drug store (free)
• Download the Match Made app (also free) 
• Rinse your face of all makeup 
• Hold the card up to the side of your face
• Snap a photo
• A few shots later, and your done!
• You can also find a Walgreens store that matches you right inside the store. 

The app reveals the correct, color matched No.7 products for your skin tone, including foundation and lipstick.  I think this is a great idea because part of what makes shopping for drugstore makeup difficult is that you can't test it out. With the app, there's no more guess work. 

Edit for 2024: the brand has now updated this app with the Shadefinder page.

Click through to see some new makeup launches with swatches from No.7

FIRST LOOK: MAC NUTCRACKER SWEET HOLIDAY 2016 COLLECTION

The Mac Nutcracker Sweet Holiday 2016 collection has launched! This is a heavily praised collection that's gotten a lot of positive exposure in the short time that it's been available.  Why? because this is a collection with both eye-catching packaging and great products (some are already soldout). Swatches at the end of the post.

This is also a large launch, with a ton of different pieces. The Mac Magic Dust Eye Shadows are really high quality.  They're long wearing, and almost velvety to the touch.  Some new shades that we have not seen before are Dark Lullaby, Forward March, and Mustache.

Some of the most sought after pieces of this collection are the face compacts - the Nutcracker Sweet Copper and Sweet Peach face compact. Sweet Copper has basically been sold out since it launched.  These are highlighter and bronzer duo's with a cream to powder, glowy finish. Still want more glow? Opt for the Mac Magic Dust Powder's.

Bobbi Brown Retouching Collection

Bobbi Brown will soon be launching a new set of concealers, and contours which are part of the Retouching Collection (look out for them in the next week, some already available online).The new Retouching Wand and Retouching Face Pencil. Check out swatches and their review below.  

New Urban Decay

Urban Decay has recently launched some new products. Their new eye shadows, Urban Decay Naked Skin Color Correcting Fluid, and the Naked Skin One and Done Hybrid Complexion Perfector.