It’s May, and that can only mean one thing in the beauty world. It’s time for InStyle magazine’s annual Best Beauty Buys issue! As in past years, many products in this year’s issue are ones I’ve discussed on the blog or currently use. Here’s a rundown of some of my favorites. Continue reading
EDITOR’S NOTE: Beautypendence brings you the final installment in this three-part series about growing back hair after chemo. (See first post about my mom’s experience here, and second post from Sarah, a firsthand account here.)
Mary Beth is best friends with one of my college roommates, Leslie. I’ve always known MB as fun-loving, witty and beautiful. Cancer hasn’t changed that one bit. She and I share a love of film, but Mary Beth actually gets to work in the biz. However, her healthcare coverage isn’t ideal for cancer treatments. Last weekend her friends hosted a benefit in Austin in her honor that I was unfortunately out of town for. However, we can all still help her out by making a donation! I asked Mary Beth if I could share this Paypal link with my readers. I know any amount you contribute will be greatly appreciated. And now, her story, in her words.
In May 2012 at the age of 36, I was diagnosed with Stage IIIe Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. My first thought was: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phillipians 4:13). It was a scripture I would repeat many, many times over the next year. And with that, my battle with cancer began.
Ever since I can remember I’ve been known as “the girl with the pretty, long blonde hair.” I’ve spent many nights as a child, squirming in my chair while my mother painstakingly rolled my hair in pink spongy rollers, in hopes that I would wake up with a head of curls like my fellow cheerleaders.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Beautypendence is proud to bring you this three-part series about growing back hair after chemo. (See first post about my mom’s experience here.) Sarah and I were in the same arts administration graduate program at the University of Oregon from 2003-2005. Not only is Sarah an outstanding museum professional, she’s a wife and mother of two super cool kids. Plus, we have Sarah to thank for this brilliant blog series idea! I know you’ll enjoy reading her story below, written in her own beautiful words.
The idea of me writing a post for a beauty blog is sure to have anyone who knows me rolling in the aisles. I’m about the last person on earth anyone would expect to do such a thing!! I’m renowned for telling my hairstylist “Give me something easy,” and it took cancer to really give me an appreciation for makeup. A few months ago I wrote to Jenn, goddess of all things beauty related, and encouraged her to write a post about growing-out hair. Staying true to her desire to keep this blog very first hand, she asked me to do so instead. So here it goes…
University of Oregon Arts Administration Masters Class of 2005 – Sarah is in the back row with glasses
A couple of months ago, my friend Sarah from grad school contacted me. It’s been eight years since we graduated, and we live several states apart, but thanks to the magic of social media, Sarah knew that I had this little beauty blog. She asked if I could write a post about growing out hair after chemo treatments. I was saddened to hear that Sarah had gone through this since we had last seen each other but flattered that she thought me worthy to give this important topic the due it deserved.
With my parents, graduation from UT Austin in May 1998 – my mom was 48 and has only faint hints of gray
One of my early and favorite posts on Beautypendence was about my longtime hairstylist, Mark. I created a super cool collage of my hair over the past 10 years. Per the historical record, I’ve been wearing my hair fairly long since about 2009. This summer I cut a few inches off, but the weekend before last, I was ready for major change.
I’ve always been attracted to short hair. Short hair is so chic and stylish, two qualities I really felt my long hair was lacking. I’ve always communicated to Mark that I want my hair to be a little sexy, and a little rock and roll. Versatility is also important to me. I get bored wearing my hair just one way all the time.
While the runways continue to parade models with long hair, Hollywood has definitely jumped on the short hair train. Think Ginnifer Goodwin (so fierce), Emma Watson (tres chic), and my current hair inspiration, Michelle Williams. Her recent ad campaign with Louis Vuitton is so gorgeous I can hardly stand it. I brought these photos in to show Mark. (Hairstylists love it when you bring them photos!)
It’s for wizards! It says so on the bottle.
If you haven’t been reading Beautypendence since the beginning (Welcome! And what took you so long?!?), then let me debrief you on the current state of my hair.
As a true Texan, I like big hair, but due to the quantity of weighty, long strands on my head, my hair can look limp. My beloved hairstylist Mark gave me a styling product by Davines to try, their No. 14 Sea Salt Primer FOR WIZARDS. A few Davines products are already longtime staples in my hair care arsenal – Momo Conditioner and No. 10 Universal Polishing Coat (also for wizards). I think I’ve added something new to my line-up.
As you’re probably already learning from this blog, I think of hair as an important accessory to be styled along with your look. And if you know me personally, you’ve heard me say more than once how important my relationship with my hairstylist is. Here follows a beautiful story of commitment … and many, many hair styles.
Here we are in 2003, right before I moved to Oregon for grad school
In this series of “Prized Products”, we’ll share those make-up, skincare, and hair products that we just can’t live without.
For the last two or three years, I’ve been growing my hair out, and as that’s been going on, I’ve been a little paranoid of keeping my hair healthy. You can ask my stylist Mark, every time I go and see him, I seek affirmation that my hair isn’t fried. I’m positive that using Davines Momo Conditioner has been key to keeping my hair healthy and shiny. Continue reading
This year’s TRIBEZA Style Week had an exciting new addition, the first ever Shear Style Hair Show. I hope they bring this event back next year, because the hair was FABULOUS.
AMENDMENT I: THE RIGHT TO LOOKING YOUR BEST
Don’t be lazy! I’ll probably say this a lot on the blog, because it applies to most aspects of life. Don’t be lazy about taking care of your skin. Don’t be lazy about wearing make-up (and taking it off at the end of the night). Don’t be lazy about how you dress. You only get one life, so why aren’t you making the most of it every day?
