Latest Hair and Beauty Favorites: A Sunday Rundown
Happy Sunday! Here’s what’s been catching my eye lately, from a new haircut and hair routine to what the grandkids are wearing this fall, Mercedes’ cute Zara outfit and the flower arrangements that are keeping my mind off the construction mess upstairs.
Grab your coffee and scroll along. It’s Sunday Faves with Annie and Cindy.
Fave Hair Update
I got a new haircut a couple of weeks ago. It’s changed my morning routine, so it felt like time for a hair update. Between the cut itself and the products I’ve been using, I’ve finally landed on a routine that actually works for my hair at this stage of life. Almost 70 and still trying to wrap my head around it.
The cut.
I went a little shorter and asked for more layering through the ends, a soft straight bob that still has movement when I want to curl it. It’s easy to wear straight for a day of errands, and not too hard to dry and curl for something dressier.
The gray, especially around my temples, is there but woven with highlights and toner. So this means I can go about eight weeks without coloring it as the demarcation isn’t severe.
I’ve seen it called “Gray Weaving” on Instagram. My sister, on the other hand, got my dad’s striking white hair and she doesn’t have to color her hair at all.
The tools.
I let my hair mostly air dry (which is faster with it being shorter now) and then use the Shark Silky Pro Hair Straightener and Dryer, the flat iron version with the comb attachment. This is quick and easy and what I mostly reach for when I want my hair straight and smooth (like above). It heats fast and the plates glide without snagging.
But the new Shark FlexStyle Ion Air Dryer and Curler has curling power for more defined, bouncier curls. And without the heat damage of a curling iron. It’s sort of fun to watch your hair wrap around the wand with warm air and then set by pushing the cool air button! There is a video here.
It takes some practice to get the auto-wrap timing right, but once you do, the curls hold nicely and look soft rather than stiff. This is the tool I use when I have more time.
The products.
What I’m using right now:
- The Olaplex No. 6 is a leave-in that I use after washing that cuts down on frizz and makes my hair feel stronger and softer on the surface.
- The K18 HeatBounce goes on before any hot tool. It’s rated for heat up to 450 degrees.
- The K18 Astrolift is great for volume (like when I use the Flexstyle curler).
- And the AirWash dry shampoo has earned a permanent spot for second and third day hair.
The wild card.
I’m one month into trying Nutrafol, the hair growth supplement. To be honest, I don’t have dramatic results to report yet, though I know it’s still early. My sister Teresa started it before I did and has already seen real new growth. I’ll do a proper follow-up once I’m further along.
Fave Recent Beauty Find
I’m loving the YSE Beauty Skin Glow SPF 30 Primer right now. It goes on smoothly and gives my skin a glow rather than a greasy shine, plus I like that I’m getting SPF protection without an extra step in my routine.
I’ve been using it instead of foundation on my face with some powder on my nose and concealer and blush. Plus eyebrow pencil and mascara. Quick and easy.
Mercedes’ Cute Outfit
Mercedes wore this sweater and wide leg denim combo with me on Thursday night. The mixed knit sleeves and the wide leg denim from Zara look stylish with cow print kitten heels (sold out fast).
We had a fun evening playing Bunko with the girls at our club. I won “Biggest Loser” with an $11 payout. Woohoo!
You may also like Packing For Paris In August.
Fave Grandkid Finds
When did shopping at the kids section in Target become so fun? I met another grandmother there doing the same thing. Pink two piece outfit. The toddler boys denim shorts outfit is sold out.
Grocery Store Flowers Around the House
As I mentioned, our primary bathroom remodel is underway upstairs. It’s contained behind plastic sheeting. But the dust is bothering my sinuses. So, I am trying to make the downstairs, where we are staying appealing 🙂
A few vignettes from around our home this week.
That’s it for this week’s faves! I’ll be back soon with more from around Classic Casual Home.
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Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:
Your new hairstyle is very attractive. Love your decor in your home.
Your haircut is so fun & lively. Looks great!!
Could you please repost or send me the session you did on pillow size for sofas? I had accidentally deleted mine and this was the Best information.
Thanks! Here it is: https://classiccasualhome.com/freshen-pillows-ten-favorite-sources/
Hi Mary Ann,
I love your new haircut, so flattering.
I wish you ladies would do something on the toxic chemicals used in clothing i.e. Lululemon, Zara to name a couple!
Pat
Love your new haircut and may I ask where the pendants over your kitchen island are from? Thanks so much!
Thanks, Jean! here is the link: https://go.shopmy.us/p-81321116
Thank you!
Mary Ann I love your haircut! Love the length and the layers. It’s very flattering. I think I need that hair tool. I want something that will last and I’m over using the curling iron!
The YSL primer sounds like a good thing for summer. I’m also over doing foundation. Whatever you are using, is so good on you!
Mercedes looks cute! Always love seeing more photos of your beautiful home. x
MA! I love your new haircut … so flattering, but then you always look great. I’m terrible with hair tools, but so tempted to try this one. Also clicking on your YISE link … looks like my kind of product. Mercedes jeans are really cute … fun shoes too. I always think of you when picking up TJ’s flowers … you so good with arrangements and your house looks beautiful regardless of the chaos happening upstairs. Happy Sunday! xo
Hi Mary Ann,
Love the flowers in your house and your new haircut is fabulous!! I have been on Nutrafol for about two years now and I cannot see myself getting off it because my very thin hair (62) has more body now and looks so much better…its been a journey trying other things too. When I was in Sydney last Christmas I forgot to pack it, so for three weeks I just had to muscle through and I did notice by the end my hair looked not as good. Loved Alexandra’s post! And Mercedes’s look! Ross Dress for less has cute kids stuff too! Happy week 🙂
Thanks so much for letting me know, Francesca.
MaryAnn,
As always you look great and your new haircut is uplifting and youthful! Love your white eyelet dress too. I need to try the K18 products. My hair is fine so I am so careful about heat damage and only use velvet covered hot rollers, the other heat styling tools fry my hair. Exciting to get a new bathroom can’t wait to see it. All your bouquets around the house are so cheerful. A fun post! Have a wonderful weekend! 🥰
Love the new haircut….especially the curly version!!!
Love your new haircut—and Mercedes’ shoes!
Hi Mary Ann,
Wowie, your new hair style is fabulous, it’s youthful and gives you a lift. It helps having nice hair.
Flowers are spirit lifters, you always have a magical way of displaying them so well.
When you are having major demolition to anywhere in your house it’s very disruptive. I appreciate what you are going through. The noise and dust, the allergies are not happy. The end benefit is the pure joy that follows the inconvenience.
Fun clothes for the grands. What fun shopping for them.
Mercedes always looks chic, she has such a warm smile. Cute shoes, my feet have to live in highly supportive sneaks. The after price I am paying for excessive road races and long hours of training. Moderation is my word I try to live by.
Happy day, birthdays come around much too fast. Are you trying to give yours away? I do, no one will take mine. Shucks!
Yes…I mean I don’t feel my age MOST of the time.
I’m just glad we finally made the decision to get a prettier bathroom…it’s really just for us and seems indulgent.
But I’m trying to be really cost efficient. We will see!
More on hair loss! I’ve been using prescription topical Minoxidil and now low dose oral. Just beware: whatever you use/take it takes months… and months….to make a difference. As in about 12-18 months to really show up. The topical is fine but it IS only topical. The oral is making a difference: started with 1/4 pill, then 1/2 pill for 4 months and now up to entire 5 mg dose/day. I do have fairly thick hair (I’m 78) but wanted it back to where it had been. Really, nothing else works! There is SO much hype about it all but the dermatologist is the last word for anyone.
Libby thank you for bringing this up ! We women could start our own self help blog. I have had extremely thin hair with terrible shedding for 25 years! I found dermatology in my area useless but during a physical with a nurse practitioner ( she was wonderful) I was started on oral Minoxidil and Mary Ruth vitamins. I cannot afford the Nutrafol vitamins but they do not contain the oral minoxidil anyway. It took a horrible “ dread shed” and 6 whole months but I now have thick hair with minimal shedding ! I see women with horrible thinning hair and I want to tell them that there is a cost effective way out there !
Thank you again!
This is really interesting, PJ! Thanks for commenting.
Can just anyone get a prescription, Libby?
Well, you do have to go to your doc etc. My topical is ordered through another “compounding” pharmacy/mail order (thru prescription from my doc.) The pills just come as regular prescription pickup at my pharmacy:cost about $6 for bottle of 25.
Hi! Love your hair! And the beautiful white eyelet dress. Could you please share where it’s from?
Thanks!! The dress is from Sezane and washes great. The white is solc out I think but there are other colors.
Your hair looks GREAT! Also, love that beautiful white blouse. Do you have a source for it that you are able to share? Your posts are so informative and fun. Thank you.
Thanks, Catherine. I love that blouse and my daughter has borrowed it too. It’s by Gerard Darel…I featured it a while ago and it’s sold out now.
Love your new cut…soooo cute! And also love the new floral arrangements around your house, they sure bring joy to a room!
So true, Gail.
Your new haircut looks great!
Thanks, Christine. Howard said he likes it longer :/
So I appreciate your comment.
Love the new ‘do! I started taking prescription low dose oral minoxidil (2.5mg) about five years ago and it has made a noticeable difference in my now 74 year old hair. It costs pennies/day and in most cases, insurance covers the cost.
That is very good info, Barb. Thanks.
I came here to say the same thing, Barb. My daughter’s dermatologist recommended it and it was working for her, so I asked my doctor. I just started taking it in March, and my hair stylist noticed I’m already getting my bangs back (in my 68 year old hair).
And I really like your new style, Mary Ann. It gives you a lift!
Love the new do!! So youthful!!
Thanks, Cindy! Enjoy your time in NYC and don’t work too hard.
Mary Ann, I love your new haircut and style! I’ve yet to master the air wrap, but maybe I’ll have better results with your styling product recs. -Linda
Love your hair!!
Oh Mary Ann…gorgeous,as usual,but …extra!! I sooo enjoy your newsy and helpful chats.
Grandkids at Tarjee darling for precious littles. Here in GA,the newly renovated and ” upscaled” ( !) Walmart has an abundance of new adorable kids lines AND for us. Who knew?
Have a lovely weekend,and thank you,Sharrie
My daughter says Walmart has great childrens clothes…and ours is close to Target. Thanks for giving me another fun “outing”, Sharrie.
Love, love the hair do!!! franki
Thanks, Franki!
I love your new haircut! I did something similar recently and I find that the style suits me better for all the reasons you mention. At 66, my hair has lost a lot of fullness. I have been using hair vitamins for over a year with little success. I imagine they must work for some people, but they haven’t worked for me. I think when it gets too sparse, I will most likely use a hair topper. They have some lovely, natural-looking options to choose from. I really enjoy your blog — and enjoying the posts from your daughter as well.
I will let you know about Nutrafol, Carol, although it’s working for my sister. My hair is definitely not as thick as 30 years ago.
Alexandra is already thinking about what to post next month!
See the above comments on oral minoxidil ! There is a hair resting phase ( it’s called a dread shed 😩) but after that your hair will grow in wonderfully…the only problem is is you have to remain on it forever…I consider it as taking a ( hair) vitamin every day. Nutrofol did not work for me either and its too expensive!!
Thanks for commenting. I wonder which is better for your body…Nutafol or minoxidil?