Curls with the KISS InstaWave - A Review

Unintentionally, this week is shaping up to be new product review week. New year, great new items to test out. I have to admit, one of my favorite parts of being a blogger is getting to try out new products before everyone else. Getting the chance to try a hair styling tool, heaven. I got the chance recently to test out the new KISS InstaWave Automatic Curler. I wasn't sure it would work well on my fine, shorter, hard to curl hair. I thought I'd give it a try and I was pleasantly surprised.

I opened the box and read all of the instructions. It seemed super easy. I loved the idea of getting curls without worrying that my fingers would end up burned and blistered. Since my hair is above my shoulders, finger burns happen more often than I'd like.

The Features:

• KISS InstaWave is a fully automatic tangle-free curler that instantly creates beautiful curls
• Easy for anyone to use, from any angle, with any hand
• Features a Curl Dial with left/right curl directions
• Automatically shuts off after 90 minutes
• 2 heat settings with a low/high switch with maximum temperature of 420

There are two heat settings. I found the lower setting can be best for my fine hair. The indicator light comes on when the InstaWave is ready.

I started by pulling out a small section of my hair.

Hold the KISS Instawave Automatic Curler vertical to your head and just place the hair in the tines of the spindle. You just lay it across.

Then you hit the toggle button in the direction you want the barrel to turn.

Hold the InstaWave Automatic Curler in place for 5 to 10 seconds. Then pull the curler straight down. There was a little bit of a learning curve with my shorter hair and I found using a clip to hold my uncurled hair back was helpful.

Here is a video demo. (Be kind this is my very first video.)




My hair after I finished my full head. My curl lasts all day and still looks good.

PROS

• Easy to use right out of the box but since it was different than a standard iron, it took some time getting used to the motions.
• Heats up quickly.
• Didn't tangle.
• Auto shut-off (after 90 seconds), a plus for forgetful people like me.
• Creates lasting curls, even on my fine hair.

CONS

• Curling was one handed but use was not. I needed both hands to set the hair in place in the curler.
• It will take some time using it before I'm as fast as I am with a standard curling iron. To be fair, I've been using a standard iron since I was 12.
• It makes some noise (see video above). If you do your hair early in the morning while your spouse is sleeping (like I do) be aware that it's not silent.
• On the higher end of curling iron price points (retail: $59.99)

Note: I received my KISS InstaWave Automatic Curler in exchange for my review. My opinions are my own.

Office to Office Party Style

The Holiday season is almost upon us and no matter how you celebrate, everyone will be attending parties and impromptu gatherings. For me, lots of these events may be planned for the hours immediately after work and involve coworkers. There’s no time to go home and change and because my coworkers are involved, I want to look festive and professional. A great dress fits that bill. By changing up a few accessories and my shoes, I can go from office professional to holiday festive, in a flash.

Printed Mesh Dress

 

I love this dress from Roaman’s. The fitted top and flared skirt are flattering on all body types. The silhouette is especially flattering on my pear shaped frame. The colors of the dress are versatile and mean that it could work year round. You know I’m all about the multi-seasonal clothes. The pattern and piping give it some visual interest. For the office, I would add a blazer, some classic pumps, simple but pretty stud earrings, bracelets, a watch, and a colorful tote to carry my daytime essentials.

Dress/Blazer/Pumps/Bag/Watch/Bracelets/Earrings

 

I’m all about simple, after a long work day. I’d just swap my pumps for some metallic sandals and the blazer for a bolero sweater, (a wrap, or go without a topper,) add a sparkly necklace and a statement bracelet, and swap out my day tote for an evening bag. As you know the sparkly jewelry from Stella and Dot is a regular part of my wardrobe and I’m in love with this evening bag from Zara. You could carry it hands free with the shoulder strap (easier to juggle a cocktail) or tuck in the strap and carry it as a clutch. It would be easy to throw all of the items into a small tote bag and carry them with me. I could make this quick change in my office (or cubicle). To lend additional evening flare, I’d go for a more dramatic lip color, add an extra coat of mascara and I’d be set.

Dress/Bolero Sweater/Heeled Sandals/Bag/Watch/Bracelet/Earrings/Necklace

 

This same method could work on the weekend, with a casual day outfit. Just dress up your jeans and t-shirt with a fancy jacket, heels, and some statement jewelry. The Holidays are a busy time for everyone, simplifying your wardrobe changes will take a bit of the stress away.

 

Disclosure: The opinions expressed in this post are my own. This is a sponsored post.

 

Personal Style with Kleenex® Style Studio (and a chance to win $5,000 and a trip to NYC)

When I was a kid, a few of my friends' moms had crochet tissue box covers in their bathrooms. They were kind of a thing in the 70's. Silly me, I had no idea people were even making these anymore but after a quick search, I discovered that you can even buy patterns for them! I've never been a fan. I just suffered with ugly boxes and rolls of toilet paper. I'm sure the idea was created in the days when tissue boxes were plain or just plain ugly. Well never fear, Kleenex has solved that problem. No more ugly boxes or crochet covers. I know, I know, this is a fashion and beauty blog but you know I'm all about fashion for my home too.

To celebrate Kleenex’s 90th anniversary, they developed The Kleenex® Style Studio. It’s a fun and stylish way to discover more of the Kleenex® Brand designs and products you already know and love. You'll love adding these designs to your home and you won't need a cover to hide them. I don't know about you but I have tissues in almost every room in my house. They are essential in the bathroom for my makeup routine and I always have a box on my bedside table. This blue design is perfect for our bedroom. The wall color is called Paris Evening.

I'm redecorating my home office/studio in a black and white color scheme. This oval box will be perfect!

 

 

Have a little fun yourself. Check out the Kleenex® Style Studio and find your Kleenex style. No more ugly boxes, toilet paper rolls, stray napkins or crochet covers for you! You can also play the catwalk or Kleenex game like these folks did.

After you play the game,

register to win a trip to New York city and a $5,000 shopping spree!

And take a quick second to answer a one question survey from Kleenex. Thanks!

I had to share this photo with you. I promise this wasn't a set up. My sweet pup, Anita (she's a very active German Shorthaired Pointer mix that we rescued) loves to chew. We came home one evening about six months ago and found her on our bed with a shredded box of Kleenex. I would have been mad if I wasn't laughing so hard. She wouldn't even look at me because she knew she was busted.

NOTE: The opinions expressed in this post are my own. This post is sponsored by Kleenex.

Natural Beauty is All About Your Skin

Sometimes I feel like I'm on constant repeat when people ask me how my skin looks so great at forty-five. I live by a simple mantra, wash, moisturize, protect. No matter how tired I am at the end of the day, I always take off my make-up. I moisturize my skin morning and night and I protect it with sunscreen every day. It's a simple philosophy that has helped me to keep my skin looking great for many years. When Lucky and Seventh Generation offered me the opportunity to try Seventh Generation Skin Serum, I said yes, please!  Before this opportunity I didn't even know that Seventh Generation made personal care products. I only knew them for their great home products and cleaners.

My forty-five year old skin without foundation.

I've been trying out the Soothing Boost Serum. It's been a great addition to my routine. At first I was worried. I thought the natural oils might cause irritation. I was wrong. Many times when I change beauty products, I will have a reaction. Frankly, I was shocked that I didn't get a rash or feel itchy. After almost two weeks, my skin is soft and less sensitive and I love the way my skin looks naturally (without foundation).

 Not only is the serum a great natural beauty choice but it's also economical. I found I could use less than my previous moisturizer. A little went a long way. I love the natural fragrance, as well. I've been using it in conjunction with my usual face wash and sunscreen. The Boosts serums come in six different formulas, depending on your needs. Soothing Boost is perfect for my sensitive skin.

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Disclosure: I received a free sample of this product from Lucky and Seventh Generation for use in connection with this blog.