Oribe

Oribe at Costco

January 23rd, 2018 by Karen 15 Comments

Girl! In case you were wondering where the discounted luxury product party’s at, it’s at Costco, LOL!

I was aimlessly meandering around the vitamin and supplement and beauty product aisles when I spotted something “Oribe” on a shelf, which was crazy because I’ve only seen Oribe at salons.

But Costco is selling full-sized 3.4-oz. bottles of Côte d’Azur Hair and Body Oil for $29.97 — bottles that normally sell for $75 a pop.

That’s over half off, dude!

I wasn’t even there expecting to find a deal like that. I went because I’d heard that my favorite protein drinks were on sale for 20% off (public service announcement), but you know how it is… Costco. There’s those lines, and it’s almost impossible to go in and grab one thing and leave. It just feels totally wrong to me on so many levels. You gotta walk around, have some quinoa samples, check out the deals on extra large wedges of sharp cheddar cheese, read some book covers, and contemplate buying at least one 10-pack of underwear, or a leather recliner, or a lemon tree.

That’s just how it is when we’re talking about Costco. You need to take it aaall in and embrace the chaos, because sometimes that leads to epic discoveries and great beauty deals.

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Oribe Gold Lust Pre-Shampoo Intensive Treatment: Newest Hair Obsession

December 20th, 2017 by Karen 12 Comments

oribe pre shampoo treatment — Ah… Good stuff!

Legit. My stylist friend Alis — hair whisperer/red lipstick enthusiast/friend to the kittehs — used Oribe Gold Lust Pre-Shampoo Intensive Treatment pre-shampoo mask on me last Sunday, and my hair still feels like silk. It’s like sexy slow-mo Super Bowl commercial hair.

My brush slides right through it, all the way down, zooooop, and when I run my fingers through it, the strands feels soft and moisturized, like slippery, twirly cooked spaghetti.

Beyond boosting moisture, the mask is also supposed to reduce split ends and breakage long term and protect your color, thanks to UV filters.

Alis applied the mask, which smells like sandalwood and jasmine and feels like a hybrid gel-balm, on my dry hair from midshaft to the ends while my color processed on my roots.

Between the chatting, tea drinking and shameless reading of Us Weekly magazine (even the reeeeeeally old ones), I lose track of time at the salon, but I think it was on there for 30 minutes or so.

Then, Alis rinsed it out, worked shampoo and conditioner through, and styled.

Even now, days later and after a co-wash with Drybar Double Standard (more on this in a few) and a styling session with my trusty ghd curling iron, I can still feel the after effects of the mask’s softness and bounce, and seriously, where the heck did all the knots I usually have go? I have, like, no tangles.

See, this is why I listen when Alis raves about something, because the results are otherworldly hair.

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#FancyLadyThings: Oribe Côte d’Azur Polishing Body Scrub

November 3rd, 2017 by Karen 8 Comments

oribe body scrub — Oribe Côte d’Azur Polishing Body Scrub ($65 for a 6.8-oz. jar)

Hey, so I’ve been walking around for the past few days smelling like I summer at the family beach house and winter at the chalet (both untrue), and both houses in this scenario, BTW, are mansions (of course). Both have also been in the family for generations (ridiculous), and this is entirely because I’ve been using a fancy-schmancy body scrub, of all things!

Oribe Côte d’Azur Polishing Body Scrub is $65 for a 6.8-oz. jar, which is crazy bad for a budget, but hey, this is #fancyladythings. If I were a lady who lunched in Chanel suits and pearls, I’d keep a jar of it in my bathroom on the regular, no doubt.

#FancyLadyThings is a scandalous (not really) new series where we’ll talk about old money, family intrigue and fancy, high-end beauty products… Or, at least the latter.

You might be familiar with Oribe. They’re a hair care line known for their expensive and high quality products (I like their Foundation Mist, Dry Texturizing Spray and their Root Touch Up Spray), all of which come in very perfume-like scents.

To me, everything they make smells like it was envisioned by a world-renowned Paris perfumer who caters to royalty and Rockefellers.

Côte d’Azur has notes of jasmine, bergamot and sandalwood, so it’s bright and summery. Those are the official notes. The unofficial note — the only one! — is old money.

It’s a sugar scrub made of fine sugar, so when I rub it on my skin, it feels soft, not sandpapery at all, and, after I rinse it off, there’s a thin layer of moisturizing oil left behind, as well as a scent that lingers — I’m not kidding — for at least a day.

Not to say that it’s a potent or obnoxious scent. It’s just VERY long lasting. After I dry myself off, I can smell it on my towels, on my robe, on my clothes, and I’m assuming that if you keep a boy toy around for kicks, you’d probably smell it on him, too, after you smothered him with your naked bod (!).

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Grab the Best of the Best From Space NK at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

July 26th, 2017 by Karen 7 Comments

best of space nk exclusive edit — The Best of Space NK Set, a.k.a. “The Out-of-This-World Bestsellers,” a sweet six-piece set of Space NK bestselling products available now during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale through August 6th.

Did someone say “sale?”

I’m there!

It’s moments like this when I realize that I am truly my mother’s daughter. 🙂

It’s that time of year again. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (I LOVE THE DANCING ON THEIR WEBSITE) is happening right now. You can score fab fall clothing, shoes, accessories and beauty products, including some exclusive sets, at steep discounts.

This one, which is kind of weird in that it contains six Space NK bestsellers, but it’s exclusively available at Nordstrom (kind of like how some JCPenney stores have a Sephora inside them), is on sale for $159 (a $237 value). And it comes with a chic bag!

After August 6th, all of the sale prices at Nordy’s go back up again, so it’s a good time to stock up on things you know you’ll use (I bought a sh*t-ton of these Caslon tees and a couple of Zella High Waisted Leggings!). It’s also a good chance to grab a beauty set or two, because some brands will bundle items together and slash the price, like the Best of Space NK Set. It’s exclusive to the Anniversary Sale and comes with six items (seven including the bag), five which are full-size.

The only thing that isn’t full-size is the bottle of Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment, which is more of a deluxe sample-size. It’s about half the size of the regular bottle (which costs $105 all by itself), so it’s not that small.

best of space nk exclusvie edit 2 — Everything except the Sunday Riley Good Genes is full-size.

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5 Fab Products for Curly, Kinky Hair

July 5th, 2016 by Adia Goss 17 Comments

When it comes to haircare, I have NO LOYALTY. I will switch things up in a minute because I usually don’t feel like there’s anything that’s all that unique. But, despite my persistent product junkie-ism, I find myself always coming back to these five products.

1. Oribe Shampoo For Moisture and Control ($45)

Ok…so this is really expensive ($45!). It’s probably the most expensive hair product I’ve ever used. I tend to go for cheaper hair shampoos and conditioners because of how thick my hair is, and because I go through products super quickly.

Despite wanting to hate this product and my hope that I’d never want to re-purchase it, I have to admit that it’s the ONLY shampoo I’ve ever tried that actually feels moisturizing.

Ironically, as a rule, I mostly only buy “moisturizing” shampoos, but they all leave my hair feeling the same as it ever was. But this shampoo, my goodness, is incredibly moisturizing. It also lathers up into nice, big, refreshing suds. If you’re looking for a haircare splurge, this is it. By the way, the conditioner is great too.

2. Giovanni Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner ($9)

I’ve tried so many different leave-in conditioners, but I’ve NEVER found one quite like this one. The formula has the perfect consistency (not too thick or thin), it’s an affordable $9, and it just works. I am 100% committed (I actually buy it in bulk on Amazon).

I slather it on my hair when it’s soaking wet in the shower, then comb it through with a wide-tooth comb. It coats and provides lasting moisture, but it doesn’t leave behind a thick residue. Whether I’m going to slick my hair into a bun or add some gel for a wash & go, this is always the first thing on my hair after I wash it.

3. Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Wrap Set Mousse ($6.89)

This little miracle product is the secret to all of my twist-out styles! Here are some pics of the hair styles I do with it:

kat von d shade and light palette — Thanks to ORS Olive Oil Mousse! (Details on this look in this post)

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Oribe Airbrush Root Touch-Up Spray Is One Hella Awesome Hair Product

May 5th, 2015 by Karen 16 Comments

MIND BLOWN.

That’s all I have to say about Oribe’s new Airbrush Root Touch-Up Spray. That, and “wallet on five-alarm fire, holy sh*t!”

Honestly, and I know that I say versions of this all the time, but the last thing I needed was to get addicted to a $29 root touch-up spray in a tiny 0.7-oz. bottle, but it is what it is!

When your hair reaches that point when you really, really, REALLY should’ve gotten your roots done a week ago (or…a month ago), but your next salon appointment is still two weeks away, and then you spray this on your roots, and essentially see your hair revert back to its pre-rooty-root glory days in less than 30 seconds right before your eyes, it’s magical.

And dangerously addictive.

Because of the price.

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Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray Is the Stuff of Hair Helping Legend

September 11th, 2014 by Karen 37 Comments

Oh, fudge!

Oops! There goes another quarter into the beauty product-related swear jar (I don’t actually have one of those, but sometimes I think I should).

Seriously, Oribe, why’d you have to make me fall in love with your Dry Texturizing Spray when you knew the last thing I needed in my life right now was another bank-breaking hairstyling product?

How rude!

Cue Beauty Wayback Machine. Destination: one month ago…

Spinning.

BAM! Bright light, aaaaaand, we’re here. 🙂

It’s mid August, 2014.

I’m just about to haul my cookies out of the salon after getting my roots touched up when I realize that I need (“need,” air quotes) a small travel-size bottle of dry shampoo to bring with me on my upcoming trip to LA (it was still upcoming at the time), so I ask mini Stevie Nicks (which is my inside voice nickname for the gal who works behind the front desk counter, on account of the witchy, floaty outfits she’s always wearing) for a recommendation. She points me to Oribe’s Dry Texturizing spray with the following caveat: “You gotta be down with grit. If you want smooth and silky, you’ll need something else.”

Since I am down with grit (I think), I grab the small 2.2-oz. Purse Size for $21.50.

As I hand mini Stevie Nicks my credit card and the bottle, I hear my penny-pinching mother’s voice in my head. “Hooey, put that down! Let’s go to Rite Aid instead and get an extra large bottle of Aqua Net for $2.”

I do my best to ignore her. “I cannot get addicted to this,” I tell myself, walking out the door. If the little bottle is $21, I don’t even want to think about how much the big bottle costs (side note: it’s $42).

Sadly for my wallet, it’s love at first spray.

Fast forward to today…

Volcanic volume at the roots, tremendous texture, legendary lift, and UV filters

This stuff is kinda magical. It does a little bit of everything, too, and it does it all well.

As a dry shampoo — I use Dry Texturizing spray between washes to absorb oil and refresh my janky-smelling roots. Like the other Oribe products I’ve tried, it smells elegant and expensive, like a light yet complex jasmine floral perfume.
As a finishing spray — Whenever I curl my hair, I spray Dry Texturizing on the middle sections and the ends for shine, hold, bounce and texture.
As a root lifter — When I spray it on my roots, ERMAHGOD! The volume is volcanic. Its lift is the stuff of legends. I’m talking big frickin’ hair, man.

On top of everything else, it also includes UV filters to protect color-treated hair against sun damage.

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Current Hair Styling Product Obsessions From Oribe, Kerastase and Clarins

March 13th, 2014 by Karen 16 Comments

New hair obsessions from Kerastase, Clarins and Oribe

Hair are a few products that have been rocking my mop lately.

Get it…? Hair? 🙂

Oribe Foundation Mist ($24)

My stylist buddy Alis at Fox + Stone Salon has been raving about Oribe Foundation Mist for ages, but I decided I needed a bottle after I hair modeled (is that even a phrase? Hair modeled?) for that Oribe class at the salon a few weeks back.

Basically, it’s hair primer. Sprayed on wet or dry hair, it smooths the hair cuticle so that styling products apply more smooth and evenly. It also detangles, enhances shine and provides UV protection.

The effect is subtle…but it is noticeable and I dig it.

I mean, it’s not a dramatic, in-your-face difference that’s gonna make you go “WHOA!” when you see yourself in the mirror, but my hair is definitely shinier, less tangly and easier to style when I prep it with this. I also see a little more volume.

I’ve been using it daily, and I’ve already decided to get another bottle when this one runs out.

Kerastase Spray a Porter ($35)

Game changer!

Seriously, where has Kerastase Spray a Porter been all my life?? If you want big, messy bed head/beach hair, it’s right here.

It even passes the “El Hub Test.” He normally never notices when I do something different with my hair (seriously, it took the man TWO WEEKS to notice that I added pink streaks), but whenever I wear this, he usually says something like, “Babe, your hair looks hot.”

LOL!

It’s very similar to Bumble & Bumble’s Salt Spray but less drying and doesn’t leave my hair feeling crunchy. Sprayed on wet or dry hair, it adds texture, volume and light hold. Perfect for lightly lifted, bombshell Victoria’s Secret beachy waves.

I use this after the Oribe Foundation Mist. I just spray it on my roots, on the ends, in my bangs — basically all over the place. Really great for sulty, slightly messy hair that isn’t too messy.

Clarins Sunscreen Spray Oil-Free Lotion SPF30 ($35)

Clarins Sunscreen Spray Oil-Free Lotion SPF30 is really freaking cool. It’s a new dry oil sunscreen spray for body, hair and scalp! It’s like sun protection multitasking to the Nth degree.

It’s water resistant, sweat resistant, doesn’t leave my skin or hair feeling greasy, and it smells like a tropical vacation. For use on wet or dry skin or hair.

Bay Area Clarins fans, pop by Bloomingdale’s in SF to visit the new Clarins spa opening this Friday, March 14. Just Call (415) 856-5459 to book an appointment.

U Luxury Color Protectant Hair Perfume in Bianca ($35)

OK, U Luxury Color Protectant Hair Perfume in Bianca hasn’t officially made it on to my Hair Obsessions list yet because I just started using it, but I still think it’s worth mentioning because it’s kind of interesting and neat.

Hair perfume — just like the name says — but with UV protection. It has a citrusy grapefruit scent (you know I loves me some grapefruit), although I do have to say that when I first smelled it, the alcohol was very, very strong. It’s the first item listed on the ingredient list, so I hope it doesn’t dry out my mop.