BEAUTY: Arvazallia Argan Oil and Hair Mask Review

Hair is a big part of my life. It's not easy being born into the troubled and difficult to manage world of curly hair, but 9/10 I would say that it's totally worth it. Especially now that more and more companies are taking notice of women's desire to take care of their natural hair instead of treating it with chemicals and heat.

Arvazallia has created two products that really could work for any type of hair (they even say so right on the product!), but it is targeted for hair that required a little extra TCL to cooperate. The argan oil hair treatment is what really sold me on these products. I've tried other hair oils (including my most favorite CHI silk infusion), and I think this one one that might get used more frequently than not.

The hair mask its a super thick and creamy conditioner designed to give hair a softer, silkier, and healthier appearance. While I can't wait it worked miracles just yet (it did separate my curls a little more than I like), I do think it will make quite a difference after a week or two, especially when straightening my hair. The drier it is, the harder it is the keep straight, especially in the humidity. This Hydrating Argan Oil Mask will most definitely keep things under control when the air feels more suitable for drinking rather than breathing.

I can't wait to find out how Arvazallia Argan Oil hair treatment and Hydrating Argan Oil Mask will change the texture of my hair over the summer. Perfect timing! If you're looking to get your own, you can find them on the Arvazallia website. Happy shopipng!

Arvazallia Premium Argan Oil Hair Treatment

Arvazallia Hydrating Argan Oil Mask

PS- In addition to being available on the actual website, Amazon has BOTH products for 60% off retail price right now- whaaat?! 

xoxo, Katie

Disclaimer: Arvazallia provided free product samples, but all statements, opinions, and reviews of the products are my own.

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BEAUTY REVIEW: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

Oh hey, beauty reviews. Long time, no see, eh? I looked into it and it's actually been since SEPTEMBER that I reviewed anything beauty related and since JULY that I've talked about makeup. Whaaat?! Insanity, I tell you. I'm not here to deliver a full on 5 page review of 20 different products, but I do have a little tiny lifesaver that's been making a regular appearance in my routine.

This college life is taking it's toll on me. Not only am I slacking on the makeup reviews, but I've been slacking on taking care of my skin as well. It's hard to remember 17 different steps when you've been up until 3 am writing (or partying...) and the bed just looks so inviting. The winter wind and air aren't exactly helping things either. So that's where this bad boy comes in.

A few months ago my mom dumped these Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion sample bottles on me since she wasn't going to use them, and I'm not about to tell her that she's giving away one of the best products. This lotion creates the smoothest canvas for makeup application, and absorbs in no time. It's also not greasy, although there may or may not be a slight sheen to it- I can't quite tell but I guess that means that any sheen is pretty insignificant anyway. 

The best thing about this lotion is the velvety texture I've noticed my skin having after just a day or two. I'll go in and out of using it just for the sake of trying other products, and every time I come back to it I notice a difference in how my skin feels. I can't say that there is any change in the appearance of my skin, because this doesn't have any skin tone evening properties. It really is just a lotion, but there's no need for added bells and whistles when a classic product does exactly what it says it will.

The only downside is that I can't tell if it is making me break out or not. My skin goes in and out of being annoying spotty, and there don't seem to be any ingredients that might trigger a reactions, so I'm going to blame it on hormones for now. Don't let that stop you from trying this, because if you have the chance, it's definitely worth it.

Clinique is available at makeup counters in the US in Macy's, Dillards, and Ulta. I'm not sure about international availability, but I'm getting the feeling that I've seen UK bloggers review products before. Check their website for locations.

The Duckling Reviews...MAC Ruby Woo

After an insanely stressful last couple of weeks, a trip to the mall on Monday resulted in a very happy Katie...but a not so happy Katie's wallet. Two of the items purchased (you'll see the other in the coming weeks) came from the ever tempting MAC counter. I only have a cheap $4 red lipstick in my collection and I thought it was definitely time to upgrade. The result? "Cherry" lipliner and "Ruby Woo" lipstick.

In my honest opinion, I'm not sure if I'm sold on it or not. I spent about 10 minutes deliberating between Ruby Woo and Russian Red standing at the counter, and went with Ruby Woo on the recommendation of the counter girl.

Formula-wise, it's exactly what I expected. I own one other matte lipstick from MAC ("Snob") and just as drying. Ruby Woo tended to pull as I applied straight to my lips, but with chapstick and lip liner underneath it went on much smoother. 

Color-wise, this is a classic vintage red, and I think it would classify as having blue-undertones? It looks oh-so vibrant against my pale skin, and that could have been my mistake. The girl at the counter was a very dark-skinned African-American. With Russian Red (a slightly darker more "blood-brick" red) as my other option, I'm questioning if it would have been the better choice.

What do you think?

(Left photo in the shade, right photo in the sun)

Would a slightly darker red have been more day-time wearable? Would it have made my teeth look yellow? Am I just being completely insane at this point in my analysis of lipstick? Weigh in, I need to know!