Want Perfect Hair? The New Dry Shampoo You Have to Try

September 4, 2015September 4, 2015 | kristencastillo

Having a good hair day is elusive when you have fine hair. I’m always looking for products to make my hair look clean, full and well, really good!

My dermatologist recommends not washing my hair daily since it’ll dry out my hair. To keep it fresh between washes, I’ve tried a variety of dry shampoos.

That’s why I was excited to receive a sample of Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo. Launching next week, this dry shampoo promises to “absorb and remove oil, sweat and odor” to lengthen the time between washes.

I’ve tried it at least five times in the past few weeks and I’m impressed. Unlike other dry shampoos, PhD doesn’t leave my hair with a white powdery residue.

This dry shampoo contains the company’s patented OFPMA molecule, which reduces surface friction on the hair, making it easier for hair to remove the powders used to soak up oil and sweat.

All you do is spray it in a sweeping motion about six to 10 inches away from hair. Then wait 30 seconds to massage and shake your hair starting at the roots.

Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo is already available online. It’ll be out in stores on September 6 and will be sold for $22 at Sephora, Ulta, and on LivingProof.com. A travel-size version costs $12.

I’ll be using this dry shampoo between washes and to freshen my hair!

Fashion Forward! Neiman Marcus Fall 2015 Fashion Show

August 13, 2015August 13, 2015 | kristencastillo

I was honored to be invited to the Neiman Marcus Fall 2015 Fashion Show!

During the show for local writers and bloggers, the retailer’s Style Advisor Alex Yanez showcased some of the great looks he’s styled for the season, including fringe, white on white ensembles and lots of layering.

Enjoy the photos and check out the fashion trends you’ll see this autumn.

Women’s Trends:

Fall fashion has a Bohemian and Folkloric feel, says Yanez.
Fringe is popular, which Yanez says is all about “fun and movement.”
Duster jackets and ponchos
Lots of layers
Turquoise
Ruffles
Tunic lengths
Floral looks
“Red is the color of the season,” says Yanez, explaining it’s good to mix reds. One of the models he styled wore head to toe red, including a crimson Diane Van Furstenberg dress with a red Burberry scarf and a red leather jacket.
Mixing texture
Winter white and layering white on white

Accessories:

Bucket bag
Saddle bags, a new silhouette, which can be worn crossbody too, says Yanez.
Platform shoes with chunky heels
Long layered necklaces
Mixing gold with silver
“Jeweling up the ear”
Leather leggings under shorter dress. Yanez calls leggings, “a great alternative to traditional hosiery.”

Mens Trends:

The look for men is casual, yet polished, says Yanez.
Lots of layers
Wearing hoodies under blazers
Luxe looks are in
Biker jeans
Return of the backpack, which Yanez says makes men “look younger and hipper.”
Mid-top sneakers
Mixing greens

Circus + Science = FUN!

May 2, 2015May 2, 2015 | kristencastillo

Last night my kids and I attended the sneak peek of the new Reuben H. Fleet Science Center’s “Circus: Science Under the Big Top,” which opens today and runs through September 7.

We learned some cool behind-the-scenes info about how the circus works plus we enjoyed circus performances from The Fern Street Circus, including this impressive juggling act and this act: spinning a ball while doing somersaults.

The kids loved all the circus extras too, like face painting, carnival food (cotton candy, popcorn and hot dogs) as well as circus fun mirrors and carnival games.

The best part? They were learning about science and having fun at the same time!

Feeling #SunStoppable!

March 27, 2015March 27, 2015 | kristencastillo

I have fair skin and wear SPF 30 or higher every day. It’s something I’ve done for a long time. I want to protect my skin and prevent it from getting burned. Let’s face it: sun burns hurt, peel and cause blemishes.

My Colorscience makeover by celebrity makeup artist Julianne Kaye — My makeover with Colorescience products by celebrity makeup artist Julianne Kaye.

I’m always interested in learning more about and trying new sunscreen products. That’s why I had such a great time at Colorescience’s “Sunforgettable Summer” event at Tower23 Hotel in San Diego yesterday.

Celebrity makeup artist Julianne Kaye gave me a makeover, using Colorescience’s skincare and mineral makeup products including face primer (SPF 30), loose mineral sunscreen (SPF 50) and lip shine (SPF 35).

“Jules,” as Julianne asked me to call her, has done makeup and styling for celebrities including Nicole Richie, Kate Hudson and Scarlett Johansson. In about 30 minutes, she transformed my look from everyday to “wow.” I received compliments all day, especially on my eyes.

Colorescience is based in Carlsbad, CA and the company’s COO Josie Juncal, who is from San Diego, loves living in the sunny region. She knows firsthand the importance of wearing adequate sunscreen. Juncal says while most women apply sunscreen in the morning, many don’t want to reapply SPF later in the day, fearing the touchup will ruin their makeup. The loose sunscreen powder is a great way to touch up your makeup later in the day.

Celebrity makeup artist Julianne Kaye applying Colorscience makeup — Celebrity makeup artist Julianne Kaye doing makeovers at Colorescience’s #Sunstoppable event at Tower23 Hotel in San Diego.

The Colorescience products, sold online and in dermatologists’ offices, don’t skimp on sun protection. They have higher SPFs (as mentioned above) than most store-bought sunscreens, plus they’re water resistant. For example, the lip shine is water resistant for 40 minutes and the loose mineral sunscreen provides 80 minutes of water resistance.

Colorscience event at Tower 23 in San Diego — Colorescience’s “Sunforgettable Summer” event at Tower23 Hotel in San Diego.

Colorescience gave me some skincare and makeup goodies. I’m going to use them as part of my daily commitment to great skin and using sunscreen. #SunStoppable

Celebrating BubbleWeek

March 15, 2015March 16, 2015 | kristencastillo

Don’t you just love bubbles? They’re fun to make and awesome to watch. And you don’t have to be a kid to get in on the fun. Still kids really love blowing bubbles. Mine do, anyway.

Bubble fun

That’s why it’s fun to celebrate National Bubbleweek, which started in 2000. Bubbles are fun every week but they’re a great reminder this time of year that Spring is coming!

Here’s a bubble experiment, courtesy of Gazillion Bubbles:

“Don’t Try This At Home” Show = Science Made Fun!

March 13, 2015March 13, 2015 | kristencastillo

Science is always interesting but it’s really cool, (especially for kids), when it’s fun!

That’s why we loved the preview of the “Don’t Try This At Home” science show at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

There was a lot of quiet anticipation, followed by gasps and giggles and silliness, as well as questions like, “How’d they do that?”

The 20-minute shows run throughout the day at 15 minutes past the hour.

I’ve watched this hair dryer + toilet paper on a paint roller video a lot and it doesn’t get old!

Wrapping Christmas Presents

December 19, 2014December 19, 2014 | kristencastillo

If you’re bored of traditional holiday gift wrap or just want to do something new this Christmas, try some of the gift wrapping ideas in my Creators Syndicate article! There are great ways to involve the kids in wrapping too, including using cookie cutters, shimmer, themes and even scrapbook paper!

Wedding DIY is Doable!

September 10, 2014 | kristencastillo

From flowers to centerpieces to invitations, being a do-it-yourself bride (or groom) seems easy but often it’s a struggle. Still some crafty wedding projects (like food favors and photo booth props) are doable. For ideas and expert advice, check out my San Diego Style Weddings’ article on DIY Weddings.

Here’s an excerpt:

“In all honesty, there are plenty of ideas and themes out there to create a fabulous DIY wedding,” say Jaime Beck and Diane Reichenbach of Whimsey Florals. “It can and has been done. It takes a large support system to do it, and lots of time and patience.”