UPDATE | New Hair Color + Everyday Hair Styling Routine and Tips

May has been full of unexpected events and changes! I have not been able to post blog reviews and video tutorials as frequently because we are working on a special project that will launch late this summer. I also took a quick trip to New York for the launch of Sephora-exclusive YSL Black Opium fragrance, and that's where I first unveiled my new hair color by my superstar stylist Guy Tang! We decided to neutralize the cooler blue tones from the fuchsia and create a smoky redwood shade to give my hair more luster. As much as I love having bright and vibrant hair, I wanted to go back to a more natural look for the summer. Since Guy curled my locks with my go-to T3 Bodywaver above, I wanted to show you how the new color looked straightened!
It has been ages since I have felt comfortable with straight hair, since most ombrés look best with curls, but I am loving the ease of the T3 Single Pass 1.5" Iron. Curling my hair is fairly quick, but nothing beats the convenience of straightening my hair! It's so fast and requires zero effort when the proper heat settings are used. Plus straightened hair makes my ponytails and buns look sleeker, perfect for third or even fourth day hair styles! My hair is frizzier than it has ever been due to all the chemical processing, so I have been allowing my hair to air dry and then styling it the next day with the flat iron. This routine saves me the extra step of having to blow dry, and the effect lasts for a few days, so it prevents my hair from incurring too much damage from heat styling. Try to extend your hair styles with great tools and good hair care!

Products Used:

T3 Micro SINGLE PASS Wide 1.5" IRON

Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Dark Tone

Oribe Thick Dry Finishing Spray

Mason Pearson Handy Mix Brush

Makeup Worn:

Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion in 23

Chantecaille Loose Powder in Subtle

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronzer

Clé de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204

Clé de Peau Highlighter in Pink

MAC Wash & Dry Eyeshadow in Green Clean

MAC Wash & Dry Eyeliner in Practice Makes Perfect

MAC False Eyeshades in No. 3

YSL Tint in Oil in 7 Orange

Nails:

Christian Louboutin Kohl

Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity

Dress:

Splendid (old)

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Long-Lasting Holiday Hair Curling Tutorial feat. NuMe Titan 3 Wand (19mm)

Searching for a low maintenance hair style to try? Look no further than these long-lasting curls using a titanium curling wand. Titanium is lighter in weight and heats up hotter than tourmaline, so the Titan 3 makes for quicker styling that lasts for days! The Lustrum barrels do make my hair feel softer and bouncier, but the titanium makes curling my hair so fast and easy, which is more ideal during these hectic holiday months. I highly recommend wearing the heat protectant glove at all times, however, since the heat from the Titan 3 is very intense!

Products Used:

NuMe White Truffle Hair Primer

NuMe Titan 3 Curling Wand (19mm)

→ 70% OFF NuMe's Entire Website

(excl. holiday catalog)

Use Code: MAGICAL

→ 20% OFF NuMe's Holiday Catalog

Use Code: PRANCER

Hairbrush:

Mason Pearson

Hairspray:

Kerastase Noire

Makeup Worn:

Cle de Peau Foundation in O20

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige

Koh Gen Do Powder in OC-2

Cle de Peau Highlighter in Sand Beige

Dolce & Gabbana Blush in Tan

Dolce & Gabbana Eye Duo in Gold

EM Michelle Phan Eyeliner in Bronze Script

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204

Cle de Peau Perfect Lash Mascara

Vaughn Lip Balm 76

Burberry Lip Velvet in Military Red

Velour Lashes in Whispie Me Away

*15% OFF with code RAEVELOUR*

Earrings:

Prudence C Crystals

Shirt:

J.Crew

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November 2014 Beauty Favorites feat. Clé de Peau, Tom Ford, Kerastase, and more!

November has been a hectic month! I was fortunate enough to travel to Beijing during one of its most beautiful weeks of the year, and I truly had a wonderful time being immersed in so many new beauty products and upcoming trends. I had planned to share vlog footage here in this episode, but unfortunately, there were too many products to cover! You might see some unexpected products on the roster below, so watch the video to find out what's new! And for those anxious to get planning, I will be rounding up the best of Black Friday + Cyber Monday promotions and sharing them here on the blog tomorrow. Stay tuned! xo

Products Reviewed:

Cle de Peau Lipsticks in 204 Bellini, 201 Sweet Lychee & 215 Plum Pudding

Cle de Peau Fall 2014 Eye Color Quad in 303 Baby Universe

Tom Ford Holiday 2014 Cream Eye Color in Platinum

Tom Ford Holiday 2014 Cream Eye Color in Spice

LORAC Vintage Vixen & Sultry Starlet Eyeshadows

*Ulta Black Friday exclusive palettes

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate

Dior Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum

Kerastase Baume Double Je

Kerastase K Laque Noire Hairspray

Head and Shoulders Green Apple Shampoo + Conditioner

NuMe White Truffle Leave-in Conditioner

Makeup Worn:

Dolce & Gabbana Foundation in 100

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige

Koh Gen Do Powder in OC-1

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronzer

Cle de Peau Luminizing Face Enhancer in Sand Beige

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 + Holder

Cle de Peau Eye Color Quad in 303 Baby Universe + Case

Tom Ford Holiday 2014 Cream Eye Color in Platinum

Tom Ford Holiday 2014 Cream Eye Color in Spice

Shu Uemura ME White 06 Eyeshadow

Cle de Peau Perfect Lash Mascara

EM Michelle Phan Scribble Eyeliner in Bronze Script

Cle de Peau Lipstick in 204 Bellini

Velour Lashes in Are Those Real

*Use code RAEVELOUR to get 15% OFF!

Earrings:

House of Harlow Sunburst Studs

Shirt:

Rails Carmen in Wine

Nails:

Louboutin Bianca

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My Signature Hair Styles | Effortless Loose Waves and Wrapped Bun TUTORIAL

For the past six months, I have been flooded with tutorial requests for what I like to consider my two 'signature' hair styles. I tend to wear my hair down in soft waves or up in a fluffy bun, so this how-to video will show you how to achieve both looks! I love effortless, easy hair styling so I hope you will find these quick and simple demonstrations helpful. Practice makes perfect, but a good set of products will boost your confidence as well as elevate your styling. Don't forget to gently tame flyaways with hair spray and always go for the lift... bigger is always better at the crown! Good luck xo

PRODUCTS USED:

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Moist

Aussie Awesome Volume Styling Mousse

Aussie Mega Hairspray: Finish in Flexible Hold

Mason Pearson Handy Mix Hair Brush

Amika 4P Interchangeable Barrel Curler (1.25 inch)

Goody Bobby Pins (firm hold for securing base of bun)

Goody Bobby Pins (regular hold for tucking hair under bun)

XL Mesh Donut from Sally's Beauty Supply

MAKEUP WORN:

Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation in 113

Koh Gen Do Triple Lighting Powders in OC-1 and OC-2

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 and Holder

Cle de Peau Highlighter in Delicate Pink

Tom Ford Bronzer in Terra

Lancome Grandiose Mascara in Black

Lancôme Eyeshadow Palette in Bronze Amour

EM Michelle Phan Scribble Eyeliner in Navy Script

Shu Uemura Pencils in P Black 01 & G Gold 93

Giorgio Armani Lip Gloss in 519

Ivory Lashes [Use promo code RAE0714 to get 15% OFF! Expires Aug 31, '14]

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Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Aussie through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select.

While I was compensated to write a post about Aussie, all opinions are my own.

HAIR: Easy Holiday Updo Tutorial + Amika Giveaway [5 Winners!]

I am so excited to share this hairstyle with you! It is very difficult for me to film hair tutorials, but now that my hair is 5 inches shorter, it is more fun to style and experiment. This updo is straightforward yet easy to make your own, so I hope you will give it a try! I like to tread the line between sleek and tousled, but this big wavy bun is perfect for any Holiday occasion regardless of your preference. And starting today (November 27) through Cyber Monday, take 25% OFF all tools + free US Shipping on www.loveamika.com and score free travel sized styling products with your order! Promo Code: HolidayHair 

I recommend:
--Amika Deep Purple 25-18mm Barrel Curler
--Amika Heat Defense Serum
--Amika Touchable Hairspray
--Amika Power Cloud Repair + Smooth Hair Dryer

Tools Used in Tutorial:
--Amika Black 4P Interchangeable Barrel Curler feat. 18-25mm wand (Sephora Exclusive)
--Conair Bobby Pins - Black

Makeup Worn:

Givenchy Teint Couture Foundation in 5 Elegant Honey 

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Cream 

Koh Gen Do Triple Lighting Powder in OC-1 

IT Cosmetics Vitality Face Disc (Bronzer, Blush, Highlighter) 

By Terry Touche Veloutee in Cream 

EM Michelle Phan Concealer Mixing Palette in Light 

EM Michelle Phan Arched Eyebrow Pencil in Black

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in Pale Barley
Eyeko Liquid Metal Eyeliner in Black Onyx

Lancome Hypnose Waterproof Mascara

Shu Uemura False Lashes in Soft Cross

Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope Lipstick in Star System

Jouer Lip Gloss in Bare Rose

Sweater:

Wildfox Baggy Beach Jumper

Nails:

Guerlain 260 Jardins de Bagatelle

Enter the Giveaway HERE! 5 WINNERS, each set of prizes retails for $304 USD

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

In case you missed it, don't forget to check out my tips on fitness trends to help burn the calorie away!
Click here to watch.
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Hair: Easy, Retro Romantic Curls Tutorial + Sedu Revolution Clipless Curling Iron Review

This is the fastest, easiest way to achieve long lasting curls! I love that the Sedu Revolution Clipless Curling Iron ($119 USD) is lightweight and heats up in seconds. I can brush out my curls for a more retro look or simply run my fingers through them for a more spiral effect. The 25mm barrel is best for medium to long hair, but since my hair is extra long these days, I am very curious to see what results I can achieve with the 38mm version. Whichever size you choose, this curling wand is a great investment, and now I cannot ever imagine using a traditional curling iron ever again! The coated barrel leaves my hair feeling silky, and there is noticeably less damage to the lengths of my hair than with other curling iron tools. Yes, there may be more affordable options out there, but it's better to splurge for quality. I hope you find the tutorial helpful!

Products Used:
Mason Pearson Handy Mix Brush
Sedu Revolution Clipless Curling Iron 25 mm
Kerastase Cristalliste Cristal Sculpt Serum

Makeup Worn:
YSL Youth Liberator Serum Foundation in B30
em Michelle Phan Love Me for Me Powder Compact in Linen
Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder in 30
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 *You must purchase the Pencil Holder separately
Marc Jacobs Precision Pen Eyeliner in Black
em Michelle Phan Waterliner in Black Night
Tom Ford In the Pink Ombré Eye Color Palette [swatches HERE]
em Michelle Phan Day Life Palette Lotsa Latte & Espresso Eyeshadows [swatches HERE]
Bare Minerals Moxie Lipgloss in Party Starter
Red Cherry False Lashes in Style 47

Nails:
Tom Ford Show Me The Pink [swatches HERE]

Tank:
DailyLook Braided Racerback

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My Must-Have Hair Care & Hair Styling Products.. Plus 1 Major Miss to Avoid!

Today I will share with you my hair care and hair styling products on regular rotation. I do switch pairings depending on my activities, but I highly recommend all but the last product listed below. Though I love the Kerastase Cristalliste range, I think I will explore more of the Résistance to strengthen the lengths of my hair! The scent on the Cristalliste is more feminine, but I love the fresh, lemon-infused zing of the Résistance Ciment Thermique fragrance. This breakdown may have been a bit overwhelming for some, but when I reach for the products in my bathroom, it feels easy. Just found out the routine that works best for you and your hair.. best of luck!

Products Reviewed:

• Kerastase Cristalliste Bain Crystal Thick Shampoo http://www.kerastase-usa.com/BAIN-CRISTAL-THICK/CBCT000,default,pd.html?start=4&cgid=Cristalliste
• Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo http://www.shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com/Cleansing-Oil-Shampoo/SU053,default,pd.html?start=6&cgid=shampoo
• Kenra Platinum Moisture Conditioner http://www.kenra.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ID=26
• Kerastase Cristalliste Masque Cristal Hair Mask http://www.kerastase-usa.com/NEW-Masque-Cristal/MC0000,default,pd.html?start=8&cgid=Cristalliste
• Shu Uemura Essence Absolue http://www.shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com/Essence-Absolue/SU028,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=art_of_oil
• Kerastase Cristalliste Cristal Sculpt Serum http://www.kerastase-usa.com/NEW-Cristal-Sculpt/CS0000,default,pd.html
• Jonathan Create Smooth Hair Serum http://bit.ly/10POael
• Kerastase Résistance Ciment Thermique Heat Protectant http://www.kerastase-usa.com/CIMENT-THERMIQUE/CTH0000,default,pd.html?start=4&cgid=resistance_2
• Kerastase Initialiste http://www.kerastase-usa.com/NEW-Initialiste/3474630493421,default,pd.html
• Bumble and Bumble Creme de Coco Conditioner [I do NOT recommend this. It sits on top of the hair, dense but not nourishing. And yes, the pump on mine is broken so it leaks badly.]

Makeup Worn:
Chanel Double Perfection Powder Foundation in 30
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in 1 Natural
Hourglass Arch Brow Pencil in Soft Brunette
Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes in E103 Black
NARS And God Created the Woman Eyeshadow Palette [Pink-peach for highlight w/matte brown for crease]
Hourglass Film Noir Mascara with Red Cherry 217 Lashes
Tom Ford Cheek Color Blush in Flush
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Pygmalion and Sara Happ Lip Slip Gloss

Nails:
Zoya Summer, topped with Butter London Tart as a Heart glitter [left hand only]

Shirt:
7 For All Mankind [old]