THE BEAUTY BEATDOWN – MY FAVORITE HAIR PRODUCTS

Andie Figueroa is a self-described "makeup fiend," and OME's resident beauty expert. Each week in The Beauty Beatdown, you'll find pro tips on latest trends and products, makeup application, skin care, and much more. Confidence is beauty, and Andie is here to help!

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I’m going to take a teeny, tiny break from makeup and talk about some of my favorite hair products. Hair has been such a struggle ever since middle school. I have thick, wavy hair that is originally a dark brown.

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OK, so I’ve never cheered before. So what? How about something that actually requires neurons?

For the majority of my life, my hair has been up in a bun: the weird, ugly buns that were cool in the early 2000s, and the ones that are presently cute and messy. The most styling I ever did in grade school included about 30 butterfly clips. There was also that one time when I tried to hot iron twists into my hair (I’m sorry, I really wanted to look like Eliza Dushku in Bring It On).

Anyway, in my late high school/early college years, I straight ironed the crap out of my luscious locks. Not to mention I bleached my hair a few times, and dyed it a number of colors (at a salon and at home).

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The Garnier Fructis smoothing milk gives my hair a light, flowy feel with a healthy shine and volume

Eventually I learned to embrace my waves, and let my hair air dry. My hair is still thick and sheds like a mother, but I own it now; it’s all me. I give this back story so you can know the type of hair I have in hopes these products can work for you.

Garnier Fructis Smoothing Milk contains Moroccan argan oil, fighting humidity and frizz to tame the unruliest of hair!
Garnier Fructis Smoothing Milk contains Moroccan argan oil, fighting humidity and frizz to tame the unruliest of hair!

First up is the Garnier Fructis Style Sleek and Shine Anti-Humidity Smoothing Milk. I mainly apply this to my ends when they are clean and damp. I’ll avoid using conditioner if this is going to be applied. My hair, much like my face, tends to get greasy quickly beginning at the root.

This is one of my favorite products for when I straighten my hair. Fructis is a brand that has always been a staple in my home. I love the scent of these products as well. Though this packaging can be a little messy, it is worth it at $2-$5 (depending on where you purchase it).

It does battle against frizz, but I find if I blow dry my hair, the frizz comes through minimally. Since it is only minimal and we live in an area with high humidity…I still approve. Packaging states this product was made for coarse hair.

Living Proof PhD both styles and treats hair in one convenient product
Living Proof PhD both styles and treats hair in one convenient product

If you want to get a little bougie, you can opt for the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5 in 1 styling treatment. According to the packaging, this was made for all hair types. It is also silicone-free, oil-free, and sulfate-free.

This product can run anywhere from $15 – $27 depending on the size of the bottle. This is an upscale version of the soothing milk. The consistency is also more of a lotion than a milky texture.

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My hair with the Living Proof PhD – smooth, sleek, voluminous, all in one

What I enjoy about this product is how amazing my hair looks when blow dried. I have loads of hair, like, tons. So I’m not one to stand there and blow dry my hair – I don’t have the upper arm strength.

I’m not a huge fan of the scent, but I moved passed that quickly. This product adds volume and body, and my hair actually feels healthier. It also includes heat protection so your hair doesn’t damage with a blow dryer/straightener, and it has UV protection. I could not get over how fantastic my hair looked after the first use – as if it had been done in a salon.

After running the product through my clean, damp hair, I use the Revlon Smooth Stay Medium Round Porcupine Brush ($10.99 at Ulta) to style. Once again, I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I’M DOING when it comes to a blow dry style. So, if I can do it, so can you!

 

Stay tuned for PART 2 of My Favorite Hair Products!

 

Thank you for reading! Have a product in mind you would like tested or talked about in this column? Please leave a comment below or email me at thebeautybeatdown@gmail.com.

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