Brazilian Blowout

What is Brazilian Blowout?  

Brazilian Blowout is a professional smoothing treatment that improves the health and integrity of the hair.  It is a formaldehyde free, non damaging treatment that creates a layer around the hair shaft to smooth & seal the cuticle and remove frizz from the hair.  The treatment takes approximately 90 minutes from start to finish, but can vary depending upon the length, and density of the hair.  The treatment can be customized for each individual depending on the desired result. This is ideal for all hair types; straight, wavy, and curly, and all hair textures; fine, normal, and coarse.  Results do vary depending on the hair type/texture. . Although it does not totally remove curl from the hair, it will make most wavy hair appear straight, and if your hair is super curly, it will enhance the appearance of your wave/curl. You can still have volume and oomph to your hair, and/or keep your curls all while removing frizz, cutting dry time in half, and improving the condition of your hair.  What more can I say? This treatment is all the rage. You can literally wash, blow dry, & go with smooth, shiny, frizz free hair!

Who can get Brazilian Blowout?

EVERYBODY can get a Brazilian Blowout. Whether your hair is colored, highlighted, relaxed, or treated by any other chemical service such as Japanese straighteners, or perms, you can get this treatment! Brazilian Blowout is great for the client trying to step away from the bond altering services like Japanese straighteners and relaxers because it puts movement back into the hair. It will only improve your hair!  Plus, if your hair is color treated, the treatment will seal in and enhance your color!  Again, this treatment is ideal for all hair types and textures, even extentions!

When should I color or chemically alter my hair?

You should color your hair 2 weeks prior to getting your treatment, or it can be done the same day.  It is safe to color or highlight your hair after getting this treatment, but it is suggested before or same day because it does seal the deal and make your color service last longer. You can also apply Brazilian Blowout on top of Relaxers and other bond altering chemicals. This is perfect for this application because it fortifies each strand with essential aminio acids and reverses the damage these harsh chemical services can cause.

Where can you get a Brazilian Blowout?

You can locate a salon HERE or if you're in the Hampton Roads area, you can see me at Renaissance Salon and Spa. The service again takes approx 2 hours give or take. Brazilian Blowouts cost anywhere from $250-350 depending on the length and density of the hair, but a lot of salons are featuring these services on sites like Groupon and Living Social for less because they are such high demand.  Most people who get these services return because they love the way their hair feels and manages after. If you have frizzy, untamable hair, this one's for you!

AFTER CARE

To maintain your Brazilian Blowout, you must use top quality SULFATE FREE cleansers such as the Brazilian Blowout Acai Shampoo, and Conditioner, Coppola Keratin products, or my personal favorite, Pureology Products. Brazilian Blowout also has their own line of styling products, but you can use other brands as long as they are GENTLE.  Pureology products are most likely the best option and again, my personal favorite. You CAN NOT wash your hair, exercise, swim or dampen your hair in any way for at least 3 days.  Use a shower cap or swim cap when needed. This to ensure your treatment does not react with any at home care. Remember (Sweat=Salt and Salt=Sulfate.<---thanks Juani :)

Before & After Photo

This was a treatment I did this past week. At the end of the service, we ended up cutting about 3 inches off to remove split ends from previous heat damage. It's important you get a trim when getting this service to remove split ends. Although sometimes this treatment mends the hair, if the split ends are bad enough, they keep splitting up the hair strand, can cause breakage, and makes it seem as if your hair isn't growing at all.  Honestly, you should always get your ends 'dusted' at least every 6 weeks and no more than 8 weeks. Keep your hair in tip top shape by using a gentle cleanser, condition daily concentrating mostly on mid shaft to ends, rinse in cooler water , and use a heat protection serum, spray, etc. anytime you use heat of any form on the hair. I can guarentee if you follow those 4 rules, your hair will be in great condition!

Before

 After applying Brazilian Blowout and the initial blow dry

 After completing all steps, before trim.

Lorac Front of the Line PRO

I guess it's bad when you're doing your makeup and you find something new & unused in your kit. Bad in the sense, I have an addiction to makeup and shopping! Great because what I found was pretty much the best eyeliner I have used to date. Now don't get me wrong, I love my MAC liquid liner, and fluidline, but Lorac's Front of the Line PRO liner has got to be the whole package when it comes to lining the eyes.

What LORAC says...

This high-performing no-smudge, no-budge, water-resistant liquid eye liner boasts a unique automatic delivery system that provides a clean, precise application. The flexible tip provides ultimate control, accuracy and smooth strokes, so you’ll never miss your lines. From very fine to dramatically bold, this versatile pro will take you to the front of the line every time!

Create any eye makeup look you desire with LORAC’s eye shadows and eyeliners! For more eye makeup techniques take a look at the LORAC Close Up Real Life To Red Carpet Eye Tutorial. The Eye Tutorial Kit comes with step-by-step instructions for applying makeup like a pro and remember: practice makes perfect!

0.55ml/0.02 fl. oz. 

 

Cost:  $22.00

Shades:  Black & Brown.

Buy it!

Glamorous Review

I actually got this liner in Lorac's Close up: Real life to red carpet eye tutorial collection (which btw, I'll post a review up soon! It's a must have!) It's full size, and I have it in Black. It's exactly what it says...no smudge, no budge, waterproof, clean, precise, and smooth! I was skeptical when I first discovered I had this product because I don't really have the greatest balance when it comes to precise applications.  My main issue with liquid liner is I can never get that thin, flawless line. 

Just like if you're pencil isn't sharpened, you get a thicker line, your liquid liner tip must be too! I love felt tip because I feel like I make less mistakes, and I use an angled brush with gel instead of a regular angled eyeliner brush with the fine point.  Lorac's liner is very fine, and somewhat stiff.  The tip is tapered to a long point. It's not as hard as a felt tip, but doesnt have as much flexibility as regular applicators. I could tell from the moment I made the first swipe I loved this product. My line was the thinnest I've ever managed to get it on myself and the applicator is perfect for winging or adding a flare to the outer corner. It dries quickly and stays put all day. As a matter of fact, after a long night of partying at my surprise birthday bash, my liner was still in place! My kit suggestion...purchase them both! Brown for your natural looks and black for your more bold or glamorous looks. If you're wanting to try liquid liner, but you're afraid it's too hard to use, I highly suggest this liner. It's so easy to use and great quality. The bottom line...Lorac's Front of the Line is definately PRO quality but a great liner for all levels of expertise. I'm positive this is a new fav to Hairbrained & Glamorous! :)

 

I post this look in my last post as an idea to use MAC's Summer Collection.  The liner used was Lorac Front of the Line Pro! Check out that LINE! :)

MAC Surf, BABY!

So it seems every summer MAC gives us a really cool collection. I'm sure you'll find many bloggers have already posted reviews of these products. To set myself apart, I want to give you my picks, and opinion on shades.

The Collection

Pigment: Melon & Naked

Surf Baby, Eyeshadow: Short Shorts, Sun Blond, Saffron, Surf USA, & Swell Baby

Metallic Pigment Stacks: Summer Stash, Surf the Ocean

Surf Baby! Powerpoint Eye Pencil: Blue Noon & Gilded White

Splashproof Lash (Waterproof, Thickens, & Lengthens)

Surf Baby! Lipstick: Naturally Eccentric, Hibiscus, Mocha, & Bust Out!

Surf Baby! Lipglass: Girl on Board, Good Lovin', Strange Potion, Krazy Kahuna

Surf Baby! Cheek Powder

My Picks& Recommendations

Well those who know me know I'm a cosmetic addict & if I had the funds, I would have one of everything, & two of the limited editions. lol I'm going to attempt to keep it simple, and reasonable.  In my opinion, all shades in this collection are well suited for most skin tones, & accentuate most hair/eye colors. Whether you're bronze or porcelain, I think you can rock these products. 

I have yet to try the mascara but I'm sure it's awesome for those who are looking for a waterproof mascara.  I have tried at least 5 MAC mascaras and not one has disappointed me. So if you want waterproof, length, and thickness, go for it!

Both Melon & Naked pigments are must haves for anybody's kit. They are two great pigments for creating those nude looks and compliment any skin tone. 

Surf USA, Sun Blonde, & Short Shorts are probably my favorite out of the shadow collection. They are all 3 Frost finish. Saffron and Swell Baby are Satin finish.

The metallic pigment stacks are wonderful investments for those of you who love pigments and that crushed metal look. Summer Stash is a great pick if you like more purple tones in your kit. It's also great for brown eyes, green eyes, brunettes, blonds, and especially red heads! Surf the Ocean is probably my favorite because its the more beachy pick. These shades are great for brown eyes as well as blue, hazel, blonds, and brunettes.

Bright eyes are in and that's exactly why both Blue Noon and Gilded White Surf Baby! Powerpoint Liners are must haves. Use Gilded White on your lower water line to brighten and 'open' the eyes. Blue Noon will compliment the lower lash line and make your eyes pop or add a flare to any bright eye color. 

Unfortunately not every lipstick or lipglass is for everybody. If you're more daring and love a nude look, Naturally Eccentric Lipstick, and Girl on Board Lipglass are wonderful picks. Hibiscus lipstick and Strange Potion lipglass fits the summer trend and are my favorite out of all the colors. Orange lips & bright lips are in and both shades bring bright pink with a hint of coral. Good Lovin' is also another pick for those who like lighter pinks. I'm not really into brown shades but if you are, try Krazy Kahuna and Mocha! 

Last, everyone should purchase the Surf Baby! Blush. It is guaranteed to give any skin a glowy summer finish. If you don't use blusher, I highly suggest you start by trying this one! 

Create 

Although I did not use this collection and they're not an exact match, Short Shorts, Sun Blonde, Surf USA, & Saffron would be perfect to re-create my look. Use Short Shorts to highlight, Sun blond on the inner lid, Surf USA on the outer lid, Saffron on the crease. (Saffron is a warmer shade than pictured) Line the top with your favorite liquid liner, Surf Baby! Powerpoint liner in Blue Noon on the lower lash, Gilded White on the water line for an added pop to widen your eyes, Treat your lashes to your favorite mascara, Surf Baby! Cheeks for blusher, & Hibiscus on the lips. :)  If you're curious about the actual color used in this photo, check out my facebook page for the inside scoop!

So that's it for now. Be sure to check back for more Hairbrained and Glamorous rants! I'm making it my goal to not neglect this blog as bad as I have been. :)