KISS InstaWave | The Easiest Curls EVER!!

I'll be honest - I've never been very good at curling my hair. All through high school and even the early years of college, I'd pull out a curling iron and totally botch my hair style, never understanding how girls got their hair to look so effortlessly beautiful when curled. It wasn't until I was 22 when my best friend sat me down, and curled my hair for me and showed me EXACTLY what she was doing and what products she used. Then the lightbulb went off in my head - OHHH! That's how you do it!

But if I would have had the KISS InstaWave during my confused high school years, I think I would have been A-OK. Honestly, this is the simplest hair curling tool I have ever used and it makes curling your hair a complete and total breeze. Truth be told, when I was contacted about trying this product, I was hesistant because I'm not too gung-ho about all these new curling iron fads, but I agreed regardless and I am SO glad I did! (and let me be clear: despite being sent this product, I do not guarantee positive reviews, so this is a completely honest rave review! See my disclosure policy here.)

Above you'll see the easy, 4-step instructions. I'm not sure you even need to read these... it's that simple. Literally, all you need to do is put a section of hair against the barrel, and hold the arrowed button whichever way you want your curls to lay (going away from your face, or towards it). Hold the hair on the barrel for a few seconds and pull hair off diagonally, and boom - you've got a perfect curl! That's IT! I'm serious.

The outside grabby things (technical term, obviously) grab all the hair and help spin it around the barrel, while the closer grabby thing (see top pic for better visual) holds it all there as it curls. 

At first I thought there was no way it was going to hold my hair tight enough against the barrel, but it totally does!

And then I thought - well, that first one must have been a fluke, it's totally going to tangle my hair up. But it never did! I did my entire head and not once did my hair tangle around the barrel. 

And then the skeptic in me thought there was no way it was going to make an even curl that doesn't look tangly and gross, but it made the most perfect curl! See... I can prove it! The image below is the result from the picture above.

Ta-da! It's so simple. I've been struggling with curling my hair since chopping it "short" (short for me) and I have found the answer in the InstaWave!

Here's what the final result looks like. I like to brush my curls out to make them look a bit more natural, so that's what I did to achieve this look.

Some other cool features of the InstaWave? It automatically shuts off after 90 minutes (a plus if you're forgetful like I am), and it heats up to 420 F and has a high/lo setting (I used high, just as a reference).

I can honestly tell you, if you struggle with curling your hair (because I can NOT be bothered with anything but curling wands.... the clippy thing on curling irons just does not work for me.) or you want a curling iron that's totally foolproof - this is the answer. I am honestly in love with this thing and I am excited to finally have an easy way to achieve amazing curls that last!

You can purchase the KISS InstaWave at three different locations - Target, Ulta and Amazon. It retails for $60, but it looks like it's on sale for just $49.99 at Target if you buy now! 

Let me know if you've tried this curling iron or if you plan to! I'd love to know how you like it!

Allure Beauty Box!

I am SO excited about what I'm going to show you today! I was lucky enough to snag an Allure Beauty Box when they went on sale a week ago. Within 10 minutes these babies were gone, and for good reason, too! For just $40, you get a bunch of full sized products valued at over $250! You read that right.... JUST $40!!!! And even cooler, a portion of the proceeds are donated to the Skin Cancer Foundation. If you didn't score a Beauty Box for yourself, don't worry - I'll give you all the details!

It came looking more organized than this, but I'd rifled through it a few times by this point.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Bon Chic 

According to the description, "Bon Chic celebrates style and joie de vivre." (whatever that means) This is a nice scent, but it's nothing unique and doesn't really stand out to me. I'm sure I'll use up the bottle, but I'm pretty sure it won't make it in to my favorites. 

Burt's Bees Lip Gloss in Spring Splendor

I've got a weakness for lip products, so I'm super excited to try this out. This is one of the new Burt's Bees lip glosses, made with natural oils and nutrients. 

Butter London Nail Lacquer in Bit Faker

Despite being a polish junkie, I have never tried any Butter London polishes as the high price is a bit of a deterrent. It appears to be full of bronze sparkles, and I can't wait to try it.

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

Cetaphil is a gentle daily cleanser that removes makeup, and oils without overdrying or irritating sensitive skin. I've tried this cleanser before and it's not bad, but with combination acne-prone skin, I often need something a bit stronger to keep things under control. 

Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Damage & Color Repair Shampoo & Conditioner

This is a relatively new product line, and I haven't given it a try so I'm excited to give it a go. I've heard good things, and I can certainly use some damage repair on my hair! 

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes

This is a product I'm excited to try! I already use Dickinson's witch hazel toner and have enjoyed it (aside from the smell, which is awful) so I expect these will be nice as well. Witch Hazel is great for the skin, especially for calming redness and blemishes. I'll probably throw these in my gym bag for a quick clean before or after my workouts!

GKHair Leave-In Spray

This leave in spray by GKHair protects hair while moisturizing and repairing split ends. I'm all about leave-in sprays, so I'm sure I'll use this down to the last drop.

Neutrogena MicroMist Sunless Tanning Spray

Due to the fact I'm basically blinding people with my pasty white skin, I am overjoyed to receive this in my beauty box! This MicroMist airbrush sunless tan is supposed to apply streak and missed-spot free. This fair-skinned redhead can definitely use a product like this!

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 15

Buying moisturizer is one thing I hate doing. I absolutely need it, but hate shelling out $10-15 for it. Luckily, this moisturizer came included in my beauty box, sparing me a moisturizer shopping trip any time soon! This moisturizer is 100% alcohol, fragrance, dye and oil-free. 

Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20

This is a product I will always skip over in the cosmetics aisle because the packaging is so boring. It's true to Neutrogena's brand, but there are a million other lip balms that will catch my eye before this one (even if this product rocks!) As you can see I already opened it up and tried it, and I have to say I like it! It has a sheer tint and goes on nicely - I just wish it wasn't shaped in an oval; it's kind of uncomfortable to put on because of the shape.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser

The thing that catches my eye about this product, is it claims to clean sensitive skin and remove 99% of dirt without stripping skin of it's natural moisture and softness. I will definitely be giving this a try soon!

Nexxus Youth Renewal Rejuvenating Elixir

You might recall I got a sample of this product in my April birchbox, and to be honest, I haven't even tried it yet! I've heard nothing but good things about this product so far, so tomorrow I'm going to try this out and see just how great it is. 

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Hair Cream

This product claims to give hair a sexy tousled wavy look with a matte finish. I can see this being a great summer product to help control frizz and give the hair some volume.

Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen in No. 6 True Teal

I absolutely love Pixi products, so naturally, I'm thrilled to receive one of their long-wearing and waterproof eyeliners! This teal color will be bold and bright for summer.

Pureology Colour Stylist Supreme Control Maximum Hold Zero Dulling Hairspray

I don't go through hairspray quickly, but I'm looking forward to trying this product out - even if it's for color-treated hair (which I don't have). It claims to provide maximum hold with extra shine. 

Redken Control Addict 28 High-Control Hairpsray

I think I now have enough hairspray to last me a lifetime. This Redken hairspray claims to hold hairstyles for 24 hours! If this is true, I will certainly be impressed. It also says it won't flake, will dry fast, and is brushable without being stiff. 

Redken Extreme Anti-Snap Leave-In Treatment

According to the description, this is Redken's #1 selling treatment which reduces breakage and minimizes split-ends, AND serves as a heat protectant! This is a product I'd normally skip past for a cheaper alternative, so I'm looking forward to trying this out!

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in #400 Get Juiced

We all know I love a good nail polish! I've tried out one or two from this line of Sally Hansen polishes, and didn't love or hate them, so this will be a good addition to my collection. I love a good coral color!

Sally Hansen Salon Manicure Dry & Go Drops

I have to admit, I'm pretty curious about this product. A good topcoat should pretty much eliminate the need for something like this, but perhaps they work well in tandem? Needless to say, I will definitely be giving this a shot.

Sally Hansen Zero Bumps Bikini Spray

This product helps keep skin soft and smooth between shaving and waxing by reducing bumps, irritation and in-grown hairs. Interesting that it's scented...

Sation Nail Lacquer in Love at First Byte

I have never tried the Sation brand of nail polish, although I believe I do have one sitting in my "untrieds" pile, and I know I've seen them at Wal*Mart. I wish this was a different color, as it's pretty darn close to the Sally Hansen polish, but I'll give it a shot!

Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Makeup Remover Pads

I love the Simple brand. I've tried a few of their products, and I'm currently using their cleansing pads (even on my eyes - oops!) so I can only assume that this will be another great product!

Suave Moroccan Infusion Styling Oil

Suave has stepped it up recently, eh? This product conditions without weighing hair down and smooths the cuticle for a long lasting shine. The conditioners in this product line weighed my hair down like no other (but smelled amazing!) but I'm willing to give this product a chance.

Tan Towel The Original Self-Tanning Towelette for Face & Body

I have to admit, I am REALLY skeptical of the product. How can a towelette have enough product on it to make your whole body evenly tan? I've also heard bad things about this (it's streaky, uneven, etc.) I would maybe attempt this on my legs while using another self tanner, but it will take some courage!

Tresemme Platinum Strength Strengthening Heat Protect Spray

I've used the Tresemme Heat Protect spray for years, only to change it up in the last couple months because I wasn't sure it was doing anything. However, I haven't tried this Platinum Strength version. I've been intrigued by this line of products, and even bought the shampoo and conditioner (which I have yet to try) - but I've heard good things and I can definitely get some use out of this product.

Well, that's all folks! Quite the steal, eh? Have you tried any of these products? Let me know in the comments below!