Tag Archives: Herbal Essences

Stripped Down

Lululemon Karma Kurmasana Sweater

I’m keeping warm, sure, because I’m wearing unspeakable amounts of layers. It’s the only way I could have survived January in Chicago.

Commuting has its aches. This is how my train of thought usually goes when I’m running to catch the L to work.  Why didn’t I wear my snow boots, the ones with better traction…I’m going to crack my skull on an ice patch, I know it.  Shoot, I forgot to wear wool socks. Why didn’t I wear the gloves that have working “smart” fingers. Do I really need to respond to that text? Thank goodness I wore heat tech leggings under my jeans. Why is it so windy?? I should just take an Uber.

It should come as no surprise that I’m taking a bare approach to beauty. No unnecessary layers. When Chicago’s signature chill is at peak, my eyes water, my hair is met with static electricity and my skin requires extra hydration. The less complicated, the more put together and cute I feel during the day.

Olay Micro-Sculpting Cream

It starts by prepping skin with something really rich and hydrating so your skin doesn’t dry out before your day officially begins. One option is Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream which, over time, helps firm, brighten skin and reduce the appearance of lines. It also has sun protection which is, in fact, a key layer in the morning.

I’ve been using the CoverGirl truNAKED Shadow Palettes – I’m partial to the ‘nudes’ and ‘roses – constantly. The depth of each shadow is impressive and they are so easy to blend. As somewhat of a nude eyeshadow expert (never.enough.palettes!) I can confirm the quality of these are as good as you’d expect from something that costs four times as much.

CoverGirl Naked Palette CoverGirl truNaked Shadow Palette

I’ve been trading in my liquid liner (because mega watery tear ducts) for truNAKED Waterproof Eyeliner Duo in the cashmere/espresso blend. It goes on really evenly without any tugging. I layer the two shades on the bottom lash line and skip it up top and outer corners when I know it’s going to be brutal outside.

Herbal Essences Naked

Mostly, my hair is on auto pilot. I try to wash it less and avoid heat styling. In my shower is the Herbal Essences Naked Clean & Refresh Shampoo and Conditioner. It removes buildup of a few days’ worth of styling products, lathers just enough and never weighs my hair down. Day one is especially sweet because the minty strawberry aroma wafts along and when I take off my hat when I get to work, it reveals itself.

Do you change your beauty routine this time of year?

Let me know if so. I’m giving away up to 10 prize packs of all the products mentioned in this post. It’s a good one! Leave me a comment or send me an email if you’re interested.*

Update 2/3: The giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all who entered!

*If you’ve previously won a P&G giveaway, note that product fulfillment takes some time.   

First photo taken by Lindsay Humes of White Oak Creative

Fading Daylight Problems (& Shower Solutions!)

Herbal Essences Dry Shampoo

This weekend, we officially ‘fall back.’ The entire month – and it really is transcendent – is our last hurrah with daylight. It’s dark in the morning and has been noticeably darker earlier every evening. You’ve felt it too, right? Waking up and getting moving in the morning is tough enough as is and yet, I can’t help but make matters worse by staying up later than I should. Chicago (and Toronto!) have had picturesque falls so far with sunny days, crunchy colorful leaves accompanying you on evening walks and, importantly, intense post-season baseball. Staying out late is what you do when your team is in the playoffs. Ugh, guys, fresh wounds. Crushing end to the season.

Olay Age Defying

All of this night owling had me pausing my evening bath ritual…temporarily. I love the bath to relax but October mornings necessitate a steamy shower to wake me up. Instead of dimming the lights, I’ve got them on full blast bright. And instead of wine, I drink coffee. My antidote to October fatigue is experimenting with new treats in the shower. There’s the Olay Age Defying Body Wash which is like a cozy blanket of moisture. If I can’t be in my bed cuddled up at least I can feel that way in my shower. I use it to shave, too. I’ve also been playing around with some modern day Herbal Essences; it’s as exciting as it was 20 years ago. Color Me Happy Shampoo and Conditioner is an all-out invigorating lather. You know the one, right? (Moans on mute, however.) I love after my hair is dry and I’m going about my day and all of a sudden I get a whiff. It kind of does make me happy. And, for those moments at the very end of the day when you’re battling baseball hat hair, there’s a Color Me Happy Dry Shampoo for a volume reboot. It is a spray so shake it really well and spray from a distance. Then give it about 30 seconds before roughing your fingers through your hair to blend in. It’s kind of like hair perfume.

Herbal Essences Color Me Happy

And seasonal fatigue is never without headaches. This one is for outside of the shower – Head & Shoulders Instant Relief Scalp Soother uses peppermint and tea tree to give an instant cooling effect. a.k.a. a jolt to wake you up on weary mornings.  And, if you do have dandruff, it’s going to help with that, too.

Tell me how you’re coping with fading daylight and any new shower goods that are perking you up? Also curious, how long has it been since you’ve had a Herbal Essences morning?

This post was sponsored by P&G Beauty. Thoughts, opinions and experiences are 100% my own. As always, thank you for supporting the brands that support 312 Beauty.