JOSIE'S TIPS Argan Hot Oil Self-Heating Hair Treatment

Hello, my Argan Beauties.

I don't know about you, but my hair really takes a beating in the summertime. Between dips in the ocean and the scorching sun, my hair starts looking real crazy by the time September rolls around. I developed my new Argan Hot Oil Self Heating Hair Treatment to save my tresses and yours. I loved the old-fashioned hot oil, but scurrying back and forth between my microwave and the shower to get it hot—not so much. My Hair Treatment self-heats in the shower, which seriously cuts down on the hassle. Here are my secrets for maxing the benefits of this lock lifesaver. 

1. If your hair is fine or thinning, apply half an ampule to the ends of hair only, and then massage a few drops into the scalp. You don't need as much product as the thicker-haired ladies do, so you'll get more than five treatments out of one kit.

2. Extra dry hair? Skip shampooing entirely for a few days, and do one hot oil treatment instead. You'll be nourishing your hair with Argan and Jojoba Oils without stripping hair of its own beneficial oils. The bergamot-geranium scent will refresh your locks--no shampoo needed. 

3. Have a spa day with your friends! Each set of treatments includes 5 ampules, so you have plenty to share. Although you’ll get full benefits in only 60 seconds (hair up to 4 times stronger!), leaving the treatment in longer will pamper your strands. Saturate wet hair in the treatment and put it in a shower cap while you and your girlfriends do facials or pedicures. Share the love! 

With love and luscious locks,

Josie

Images Via:

My Bellavita, Abundant Life Essentials, Green Chi Cafe

BEHIND THE SCENES Fall 2012 Photo Shoot

Back in April, when I was VERY pregnant, the JMC photo crew and I drove out into the wilderness to take pix for the launch of my Argan Hot Oil Self Heating Hair Treatment. Between hair and makeup touch-ups, we had fun exploring the nearby creek, finding frogs, and searching for pretty river rocks as the sun set behind the mountains. Take a behind-the-scenes look at this JMC adventure. 

Here's to big bellies and muddy toes!

Josie

JOSIE'S TIPS Argan Brightening Bronzer Sun Spot Corrector

Nothing says beach goddess like a nice summer tan—but sadly, my beauties, the sun is not a friend to our delicate skin. Its rays feel great, but as they warm you they also cause premature aging, sun spots, and possibly even skin cancer. So enjoy the great outdoors, but protect yourself with hats and sunscreen—lots and lots of sunscreen. (Natural is best. Feel free to try mine!) If paleface is your problem, you can faux your glow with bronzer. My Argan Brightening Bronzer Sun Spot Corrector actually reverses and reduces the appearance of existing damage and sun spots while imparting a sexy sunkiss to face. Not sure how to use this healthier option? Read on. 

- For the most natural, diffused effect, use a big, fluffy brush, applying bronzer in swirling motions. 

- Apply bronzer in natural light so you can see where the sunlight naturally hits your face: the forehead, bridge of nose, apples of the cheeks, and around the chin and jawline. 

- If you're showing a bit of décolletage, dust some bronzer on your collarbones.

- If you're fair-complected, apply only one soft wash of bronzer. For darker skin, try building the bronzer with two layers for a richer, deeper faux glow.

With sunny kisses,

Josie

Images via:

Beautiful Places to Visit

Missoni

Taste Those Sweet Dreams

WORKOUT WEDNESDAY Loving Your Body

As many of you know, Wednesdays at JMC are our workout days. We run around the block, do dozens of squats, and crunch to our heart’s not-so-content. We’re a diverse group, ranging from 21 years old to 60, and we’re all at different fitness levels. Some of us can barely touch our toes; others are pro-style yogis. Although we sometimes slip up, we try not to compare ourselves to one another—after all, working out is all about showing your body some love, not bringing it down with negative self-talk. We leave our workouts feeling stronger, healthier, and a whole lot more beautiful (despite the frizzy post-workout hair). What makes YOU feel good about your body? What do you do to show your temple some love?

xo, The Chicological Chicks 

Image via Glamour

P.S. That's not us, we just really loved all the beautiful sizes in this picture. 

PINTERESTING FINDS Beauty Cravings

Right now we're loving pops of punchy color on the lips, boho braided hair-dos, and sassy nail polish shades. Where are we getting all of our inspiration? Pinterest, of course. We're so addicted to some of the great beauty tutorials that we will be debuting our own version here on Chicological in the coming months—stay tuned! Here are some of the beauty looks we're craving (and where you can see them for yourself.) Take a peek at Josie's Pinterest account for more boho inspiration.

 What are your favorite things to pin? 

Xo,

The Chicological Chicks

1. Bright yellow nails and a killer bangle via Keep It Classy

2. Bronze makeup perfection via Keiko Lynn

3. Perhaps a summertime turban? Via Natural Belle

4. Freckles and orange lips via A Cup of Jo

5. Streaks of fluorescent hair via The Beauty Department

GREEN YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE Hair Heaven

I’ve been keeping a hair diary for a super-exciting project I've got in the works (stay tuned, details to come), which has me thinking about how to green-ify my hair routine. I’m a pretty low maintenance, wash-and-air-dry type of girl, but recently I've had a chance to try some new styles. Here are some tricks I’ve learned from doing my hair diary and playing around with a few of my favorite products.

(Still) Say no to Aerosol

You might remember the controversy about aerosol hair products that came up in the '80s. It turned out the propellant used to force the product out of the can was depleting the ozone layer. These chemical propellants, called CFCs, are now banned in the US. But according to Scientific American, CFC-free aerosols still contain compressed gasses, which contribute to global warming. They also emit volatile organic compounds, which increase air pollution and smog. So if you can’t get enough of your hair spray, look for one in a spray bottle instead of a aerosol can. Mama Earth will thank you (and so will Mama Josie).

Masque it Up

Chances are, you have something in your house right now that will make a great hair masque. I like to use one at least once a month to give my hair a boost of softness and moisture. Lately, I’ve been using my Argan Balm as a masque—it really clings to the hair. I got the idea from my husband, Ali, who uses Argan Balm as a pomade. His hair is always so soft! I just slather some Argan Balm on my hair, wait 1-2 hours, then rinse. Virgin coconut oil and mashed avocado also make great masques. I even have friends who swear by putting mayonnaise on their hair!

Reuse your Accessories

I’ve been trying a lot of new things with my hair lately, including putting  different ornaments in it. I looked at my box of vintage jewelry in a whole new light after realizing that an old brooch makes a great accent piece for a messy bun. I used a beaded necklace as a headband, and a stretchy bracelet as a scrunchie. Because so many flowers are blooming all around our property, I even wove a few blooms into my bun. So many fun looks for summer! 

With love,

Josie

Images Via: Killete Tumblr The Girl Who Keeps Dreaming

GREEN YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE skin savers

1. Look for Multi-taskers. There are so many cosmetics to choose from that many of us have cabinets full of stuff we never use. To avoid that kind of wastefulness, look for products that multitask: a lip color that doubles as a cheek color, or a bronzer that makes a great nude eye shadow. The ultimate multi-tasker is my 100% Pure Argan Oil. I put it on my face and body to moisturize, on my hair to tame frizzies, and on my nails to repair rough cuticles.

2. Try a Homemade Toner

Green tea makes a great skin toner. It’s loaded with antioxidants like vitamins C & E and helps counteract irritation caused by dryness. Some people with oily skin swear by Apple Cider Vinegar as a great way to combat shine.

3. Stay hydrated.

Drink lots of water, and you really will see a huge improvement in your skin. If you’re not a fan of water, mix slices of lemon and cucumber into a big pitcher of water. It will lightly flavor the water and give it that all-day-at-the-spa taste.

GET THE LOOK the no makeup look

If there’s one look that every woman wants to master, it’s the no-makeup look.  Here’s how you can let your beauty shine using your favorite JMC products.

1.   Prep skin for makeup application by cleansing with Argan Cleansing Oil, focusing on areas of dryness, using a soft washcloth to lightly exfoliate flaking skin.

2.   Using your fingers, apply 100% Pure Argan Oil to your face and give it a few minutes to absorb. For extra moisture and to protect skin from harmful rays, apply Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40.

3.   Even out the skin tone by applying your shade of Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation. The sheer coverage will reduce the appearance of redness and blotchiness without masking the natural texture and luminosity of skin. 

4.   Apply Argan Blend Concealer under eyes to camouflage dark circles, on blemishes, and on any other areas of discoloration including eye lids, around the nose, and at the corners of mouth.

5.   Smoothe a creamy blush like Argan Color Stick in Rosey onto the apples of cheeks, and lightly blend toward the temples.

6.   Brush GOGO Instant Natural Volume Mascara onto upper eyelashes only.

7.   Complete the look by applying Argan Lip Treatment to moisturize lips.

 

JOSIE'S TIPS bohemian waves

There’s nothing like soft, tousled wavy hair for summer. Some lucky girls were born with natural waves, but most of us need a little extra oomph to make our hair look enticingly undone. Toss your look a lifesaver. Geranium-and-bergamot-scented Argan Bohemian Waves Hair Mist contains Himalayan sea salt—so, just like a dip in the ocean, it encourages locks to form beautiful boho waves. 

For an effortlessly tousled look:

-Spray Argan Bohemian Waves all over hair, focusing on the ends. “Scrunch” up each section after you spray it, holding the scrunch for three seconds.

-If your hair is extra fine, spray it all over with Bohemian Waves, then pin into a high bun. When hair is completely dry, release the bun. Argan Bohemian Waves will help your hair hold the curl.

-For long-haired lassies, braids are a must-have at the beach. Before braiding, spray hair with Bohemian Waves. Later, loosen your locks by pulling the braid apart for a textured, slept-in look. 

GREEN YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE De-Stress

I loved getting to read all of your homemade uses for my 100% Pure Argan Oil, and it inspired me to go out and search for new and interesting ways to green your beauty routine.  Here are a few of my latest discoveries!

1.  Want to de-stress? Take a bath!
Baths get a very bad rap among us greenies. However, sometimes when we’re looking for a stress-reducing bathing experience, a bath is the way to go. Standing under the showerhead for five to ten minutes letting the hot water de-stress you can actually waste far more water than just running a small bath and soaking for a bit.  I recommend putting a few drops of Argan Oil and 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil into the bath for a soothing, aromatherapy experience. Not a bath kind of gal? Try a heat-safe neck pillow. Pop it in a warm oven for a few minutes to melt away tension in your neck and shoulders.

2. Beautify your garden!
Your garden isn’t just a place to grow lettuce and tomatoes; it’s also a great place to grow natural beautifiers. One of my favorite beauty wonders to grow in my garden is Aloe Vera. It has a beautiful, vibrant green color and because it’s a succulent, it’s relatively low maintenance if you live in a dry area. You can even grow it inside. There’s really nothing better if you accidentally get a sunburn. Just pop open an aloe leaf and use the gel-like pulp to soothe the burn. Other great beauty plants to try in your garden? Avocado to hydrate skin and hair, and chamomile to soothe irritated skin!

3.  Get physical!
As summer is quickly approaching (I can’t wait for barbeques and watermelon!), we should all be slathering on the sunscreen to protect ourselves from the harmful rays that can cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. A lot of controversial research has recently been released about the safety of some chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone. That’s why we’re going physical! Look for sunscreens that contain physical blockers like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Many non-chemical sunscreens will contain both of these ingredients, but if you’re faced with the choice, go for zinc. It blocks UV rays slightly better than titanium dioxide. Sensitive skin? You might find physical sunscreens less irritating than their chemical counterparts. But don’t forget a hat and sunglasses for added protection on super sunny days.