I just recently got introduced to a new line of hair care called Surface. I tried two products from the line and I was very pleased with both products.

The first one I tried is called Swirl. It’s a sea salt spray that adds tons of volume to your hair, and lets you create different looks. You can use it on dry hair to add some volume and texture to your ‘do, or use it on wet hair and either let it air dry into natural waves, or lightly blow dry it for volume and waves. What I’ve found with most salt sprays is how they change the texture of your hair and make it feel dirty. This salt spray is so light-weight and effective, it’s crazy! It smells really good, and it gave my hair tons of volume without that “salty” feel to it. I was really impressed with this product and will definitely keep this in my styling routine. This salt spray is made with ocean salts and citrus fruits. One of the best sea salt sprays I’ve ever tried!

The second product I tried in this line is Bassu Shine Spray. This is another product that has a lot of versatility. You can use it on wet hair or dry hair. If you use it wet, it adds shine and helps detangle your hair. If you use it dry, it works great if you spray it on prior to any kind of heat styling. It adds a pretty shine to your hair. I was really impressed with this product as well. I have tried numerous shine enhancing products and you have to be careful you don’t use too much, or your hair will be weighed down, and it will start to look greasy. This smells so good…so good….So, So, So good!!! I want to spray it right now just so I can smell it! Did I mention it smells good?

Surface products are paraben free, gluten-free, and vegan. They are found in professional salons only, so if your salon uses Surface hair products, then lucky you! If your salon does not use Surface products, tell them they should! I’m sold; this line is awesome! Tell me if you’ve tried it, I want to hear!

You’ve Been Beautified!

Don’t throw away your coffee grounds! Make an at-home body scrub that will make you feel like you escaped to a spa. Take the coffee grounds, and mix with a few tablespoons of sugar, and then add oil. You can use any oil you like, but I prefer coconut oil. Mix them all together, and scrub away! The sugar will exfoliate your skin, the oil will hydrate your skin, and the caffeine in the coffee will smooth your skin, and temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. Plus, it will smell amazing while you’re scrubbing. There are so many spa treatments right in your kitchen!

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Good morning and Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend. I got some great questions this week, read on about jewel-toned nail polish, perfecting nail art, and perfectly imperfect hair!

Dear Brooke, I’m seeing the new fall colors for nail polish coming out, and it looks like a lot of dark, jewel tones. I love nail polish, but these colors just seem so dramatic. Can I pull them off in a professional setting? Leann M.

Dear Leann, I have been admiring the new fall colors recently, so I’m glad you sent me this question. A lot of the jewel tones have a shimmer/sparkle to them, which makes them even more fun, if you ask me! If you’re wanting to ease into this look, grab a shade that’s creamy, without any sparkles, for a softer, more sophisticated look. The main thing to remember is, it’s just nail polish, so you can take it off if you don’t like it. If you’re really having doubts about pulling off the look, start with the colors on your toes, then see which colors look the best, and go from there. Have fun with it, the new colors that are coming out are absolutely gorgeous!!

Dear Brooke, I am really getting into nail art, but I’m having a hard time drawing thin lines, even with the thinnest brushes that come in nail art kits. I always end up smudging at least one finger, and the lines are never thin enough for the designs I’m trying to create…any suggestions? Emma T.

Dear Emma, I’ve always thought nail art was such a challenge! I love the designs I see people coming up with. It’s been years since I’ve attempted to do it, but one of the best things to use when you need really fine lines in a nail design is a toothpick. Set the cap to your polish aside, and dip the toothpick into the polish and you’ll be able to create very thin lines with the toothpick. Just work fast, because you will only be getting a very small amount onto the toothpick and it will dry fast. Hope that helps, have fun!

Dear Brooke, I love these hairstyles I see on celebrities that are natural looking waves, or messy little updos. I can never seem to create the look on myself, and end up pulling my hair back into a slick  pony tail. What’s the trick? Do I need a 24/7 stylist? Jill R.

Dear Jill, I think we all could use a 24/7 stylist! I know the exact look you are talking about…perfectly imperfect hair! The best way to start to achieve this look is to use a volumizing product on your roots. If your hair is stick straight, put your favorite styling product through the rest of your hair, loosely braid your hair, and blow dry it while it’s braided. This will give it some texture and wave. Don’t use a brush when styling your hair, just use your hands for natural movement. Try not to touch your hair too much throughout the day, oils from your hands will make your style fall flat. And if you want to make this an updo, just pull your hair back into a loose pony tail, or twist it into a bun, and make sure you have a few wispy pieces hanging down. I know that seems like a lot of steps to get an “undone” look, but it’s pretty easy once you get the hang of it, and it looks natural.

Great questions this week, keep them coming! Email me your questions for Q&A Monday to brookeknowsbeauty@hotmail.com

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Curling your eyelashes can really open up your eyes, giving them a fresh, youthful appearance. If you find that the “curl” doesn’t stay all day on your lashes, try this: Blast the eyelash curler with your blow dryer for a few seconds…seriously, just a few…like 3! Make sure the metal isn’t too hot before you curl. Your lashes are hair, and just like the hair on your head, heat styling temporarily changes the shape of your hair. Apply your mascara as usual!

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I seriously think I have purchased every dry shampoo ever made, in my quest to find the perfect one. While spending obscene amounts of money on new products, I keep going back to the only one that’s ever lived up to what it promises. I’m talking about Batiste Dry Shampoo. It brushes out clean, not leaving white residue behind. It freshens up my hair, and doesn’t make my hair feel like I just poured baby powder all over it. I’m a lover of sudsing up on a daily basis, but sometimes shampooing my hair feels like a monumental chore! So, I”m happy to say I’ve finally found the best dry shampoo out there. And now they have a new scent that I’m in love with! Read on…

The war of the sexes is over because Batiste Dry Shampoo now comes in a funky Fresh scent for both women and men!  Batiste Fresh is a liberating unisex scent that contains tantalizing fresh notes with a fruity twist of pear and citrus accents and base notes of woody musk and sandalwood inspired by the rainforest.

I think this is a great idea to have a unisex dry shampoo! Out of all the product lines I’ve seen for men in hair care, I’ve yet to see a dry shampoo. Just because they keep their hair shorter than most women (for the most part) doesn’t mean they wouldn’t benefit from a product like this!

You don’t have to use dry shampoo as a cleansing product only. It’s a great way to give your hair extra texture. If you have short hair, you can get that “piecy” look by using dry shampoo.

I know some of you out there are Batiste lovers! So, check out this new scent and tell me your thoughts. I love it, I think it’s great that it’s unisex, and I love that my husband shaves his head, so I don’t have to share!

Email me your questions for Q&A Monday to brookeknowsbeauty@hotmail.com

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Good morning, and Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend. I love the questions sent to me this week! Read on about leave-in conditioner, stubborn blackheads, and Benzoyl Peroxide issues.

Dear Brooke, what’s the difference between conditioner, and leave-in conditioner? Isn’t leave-in conditioner just regular conditioner that you leave in your hair? Kathy M.

Dear Kathy, I see your point, but not all conditioners are created equally. Most conditioners that are supposed to be rinsed out are too heavy to leave on your hair all day. In some cases, it’s not a big deal if you take your every day conditioner and leave it in your hair…if you feel your hair needs more moisture, go ahead and leave it in all day for a really deep conditioning treatment. Most leave-in conditioners are thinner in consistency and don’t make your hair feel heavy. I wouldn’t recommend using a rinse-out conditioner as a leave-in one because it can leave your hair feeling greasy, cause product build-up, and eventually make your hair feel unhealthy.

Dear Brooke, I have some really deep blackheads that are driving me nuts! I have tried those pore strips, but they only got the little ones out. I don’t want to pick, but I want these deep ones gone. Help! Diana A.

Dear Diana, I am happy to hear you say you don’t want to pick! Nothing is worse than trying to attack a blackhead, and have it backfire on you by pushing it further into your skin and causing an infection. So, keep those hands off your face! There are a few things you can do to get rid of, and prevent, blackheads. Try a facial scrub, or any kind of treatment product that has Salicylic acid in it. That will help break down the oil that gets stuck in the pores that creates blackheads. I’m a huge fan of facial brushes when cleansing; they really get your skin clean much better than your hands, or a wash cloth can. Clarisonic is a cleansing system I swear by. Expensive? Yes, but I haven’t seen a blackhead anywhere on my face since I invested in it. I know Olay makes something similar, for a much smaller price. If they’re still not budging, get a mini facial and let a professional get in there and extract those blackheads, then maintain your skin with my suggestions; you’ll notice a big difference. Good luck!

Dear Brooke, I started a skin care system that is for acne, and it’s turning my towels and my sheets orange! I’m not sure I want to use it anymore. It’s helping my skin, but it’s ruining my stuff. Have you heard of this? Candace R.

Dear Candace, I’ve not only heard of this problem, I have experienced it first hand. What’s happening is, the products you are using contain Benzoyl Peroxide, and it’s known to bleach out fabrics, and in some extreme cases, skin and hair. If you read the label on your products, you will see, in very fine print, a disclaimer saying this could happen. BP is definitely a strong ingredient with killing acne, but you have to be careful when you use it. Apply it with a cotton swab when you can, keep it away from your hair line, and always, always, ALWAYS wash your hands immediately after you use it. Keep a towel that you don’t mind getting bleached out around for drying your hands after you use BP. I suggest people don’t use it at night, so your sheets don’t get ruined. But, if you want to use it as part of your night-time routine, switch to an old pillow case. Hope that helps!

Thanks again for the great questions this week, keep them coming! Email me your questions for Q&A Monday to brookeknowsbeauty@hotmail.com

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Shine serums are a great way to finish your hair style, but they can be heavy, and make your roots look greasy. Put a small amount in your hands, and rub your hands together to warm the product. Then, work your hands through your hair from the ears down. This will give your hair a pretty gloss, and keep your roots from looking greasy.

You’ve Been Beautified!

Good morning, and Happy Monday! I hope everyone has had a great weekend, and you enjoy the holiday today. Thanks for the questions this week! Read on about preventing dirt from getting under your nails, the importance of doing a test strand, and the benefits of cucumbers for your eyes!

Dear Brooke, I work in an office doing a lot of paper work. I notice my nails look like they have dirt under them all the time. I don’t feel like our office is a dirty place, so I don’t understand what’s going on. I just know it’s embarrassing! Any tips on preventing this? Thanks! Holly D.

Dear Holly, what’s probably happening to your nails is just every day dirt and dust settling under your nails. I notice that happens to my nails when I’m doing a lot of filing paperwork, shuffling papers, or opening packages/boxes. The best thing to try is keeping a coat of clear nail polish on your finger nails. I think it creates a bit of a barrier for your nails, and makes them less porous so dirt, oils, and dust can’t get under there and settle in. You may still notice some, but this will show you a significant difference. Also, keep a small nail brush in your desk, so you can whisk any dirt away as soon as you see it. Hope that helps!

Dear Brooke, Is it really necessary to do a test strand on my hair before I color it? That just seems to be a waste of time, and I don’t want to look weird with one strand of my hair a different color than the rest. Addie G.

Dear Addie, The reason for the test strand is to tell if you’re allergic to a product, and to see how your hair will take to the product. I think, if you’ve been coloring your hair for a long time, you probably don’t need the test strand. However, if you’re new to hair color, or you’re trying a new brand, it’s a step you shouldn’t skip. It won’t take too long, and you won’t have to walk around with a random strand of hair a different color from the rest. Once you test your strand and see how it works, you’ll be able to do the rest of your hair. I know it seems like a hassle, but if you’re sensitive to most products, you’ll be happy you took that step if you end up having a reaction to it. Don’t let it stress you out, just pick a small section and follow the directions on the box. Have fun!

Dear Brooke, You always see on TV how they put cucumbers on your eyes at a spa. I’ve never once seen that done in real life. Do cucumbers really help the eyes? If so, how? Candace J.

Dear Candace, Hmmm…come to think of it, I’ve never seen that done in real life, either! Cucumbers can reduce the appearance of dark circles, and they do help with puffiness around the eyes. They’re very soothing, and cooling, on tired eyes. Cucumbers have a very high water content, so they’re also going to be very hydrating to the eye area. I don’t know why they always show spas on TV, or in the movies, using cucumbers but you never see it happen in real life. (Anyone who has experienced this at a spa, please give me a shout, I want to hear about it!) If you’re curious about it, give it a try at home! Just take a few slices, and place them over your eyes for 10-15 minutes. I’ve always noticed a nice difference after I use them.

Thanks again for the great questions this week, keep them coming! Email me your questions for Q&A Monday to brookeknowsbeauty@hotmail.com

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If you don’t have time for a pedicure, but your feet need some love, put a thick foot cream on your feet before you work out. While you’re exercising, the cream will absorb into your feet, leaving your heels and soles feeling soft and smooth when you’re done. My favorite foot cream? Coconut Foot Creme by Burt’s Bees.

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It’s official, I am in love with a new product line! I love discovering new products, and I’ve discovered Pure Fiji. Just the name of the brand had me loving it before I even tried it. Who wouldn’t want to be basking in Fiji?

I tried two different products from the brand. The first one I tried was the Coconut Sugar Scrub

It comes in a variety of scents. I almost want to call them flavors instead of scents, because it smells so good. This can be used all over the body to soothe and soften rough spots, and it can also be used on your hands for a mini manicure. I love it for the hands! Just wet your hands, put some of this scrub on and give your hands a spa treatment. Push back your cuticles while you’re massaging this into your hands. It will scrub away hang nails, and moisturize your hands and nails. And the smell! I can’t describe how good this smells, but when you put all the yummy, natural ingredients this scrub has together, it makes one delicious scent. I let my daughters try this, and being typical children, they wondered if it tastes as good as it smells…it does.

The next product I tried from Pure Fiji was the Dilo Rescue Body Gel.

 Known as ‘the tree of a thousand virtues’, the Sacred Dilo tree makes its home on white coral sands in the pristine Islands of Fiji – drawing its sustenance directly from the nutrient rich warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. It is known to possess a unique capacity to enhance the skin’s own repair mechanism, soothe pain and irritation as well as promote the growth of healthy skin. The rescue gel has the consistency of a gel and a lotion mixed. It has aloe in it that has very soothing properties. The gel is great to soothe sunburns, bug bites, roughness if you shave too close. I burned my arm on my oven a few months ago, and the burn mark that was left behind would not go away. I started using this gel, and it has faded considerably. It has a really nice scent to it, and it’s very nourishing, and it absorbs fast. Typically, I don’t like to use balms for burns or other skin irritations, because they leave a greasy feeling behind. I love how fast this absorbs!

Ok, so we’ve established that I’m in love with Pure Fiji! If you haven’t heard about it, check it out. Anything you get from this line will feel like you brought the spa home with you! I want to hear your thoughts if you get a chance to try Pure Fiji!

Email me your questions for Q&A Monday to brookeknowsbeauty@hotmail.com

You’ve Been Beautified!