Category Archives: HAIR

No More Shaving, No More Waxing: How the Pure Adapt IPL Changed My Hair Removal Routine

April 30, 2025

Okay, let’s be real: I’ve tried everything to get rid of unwanted hair—waxing, shaving, laser, you name it. Some things work, some don’t, and most of them come with pain, irritation, or a huge dent in my wallet. But when I heard about the Pure Adapt IPL Hair Removal Device, I’ll admit, I was skeptical. At-home IPL? Yeah, right. But after a few weeks of using it, I can honestly say I’m obsessed. Here’s why.

The Pre-Treatment Ritual: The Fine Print You Need to Know

Before I even fired up the device, I had to make sure I wasn’t messing anything up—(typical) So, here’s what I learned:

Step 1: Shaving Only, Please. This is crucial: if you’re planning to use the Pure Adapt, do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT go near the area with waxing, tweezing, or any of that other nonsense. Shaving is the only method that’s allowed before your treatment. Why? Because IPL works by targeting the hair follicle, and tweezing or waxing pulls the hair out, which makes it less effective.

I made sure to shave the treatment area the day before I started. You don’t want to shave right before (because, honestly, who wants to shave and then do IPL in the same sitting?)—just prep the night before and you’re golden.

Step 2: Do a Patch Test. I’ve learned the hard way with beauty devices that it’s always worth doing a patch test. Just to make sure my skin wasn’t going to freak out, I did a quick test 24 hours before I started my full treatment. No irritation, no redness, just smooth sailing.

The Treatment: Quick, Easy, and Actually Comfortable

Now, onto the actual treatment. I was a little nervous at first, thinking it was going to feel like a laser zap (cue thoughts of last year’s laser hair removal session that left me questioning my life choices). But nope, the Pure Adapt IPL felt surprisingly gentle. The device has this cool adaptable head that hugs your skin, so it’s not awkward or clunky like other IPL devices I’ve tried.

It’s quick, too. A full body treatment only takes about 10 minutes—so I could literally do it while watching my latest Netflix binge. The 10-minute full-body treatment is what really sold me. I could knock out both legs and underarms in less time than it takes to microwave popcorn.

And while it does get warm, it’s definitely not the painful, skin-scorching heat I expected. It’s more of a mild warming sensation, so I was actually kind of enjoying the whole process.

What About Results?

Here’s where the Pure Adapt really delivered. The claim was visible results in 2 uses, and I was like, “Sure, sure, show me the magic.” But, honest to God, after two sessions, I was already noticing a difference. Less hair growing back, and the hair that did return was thinner and finer. This isn’t some magic pill—it actually works. I’ve been doing my weekly treatments for about a month now, and I’ve seen a solid 99% reduction in hair growth. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I honestly can’t remember the last time I had to shave my legs. It’s that effective.

What I Didn’t Expect (But Loved)

I’ve used a few IPL devices over the years, and the one thing that always drove me nuts was the mess. There’s always the risk of burning yourself, irritation, or weird spots that don’t get hit properly. With the Pure Adapt, it’s a game-changer. The adaptable head really makes a difference. It adjusts to my body’s curves and contours, so I don’t have to contort myself into weird angles to make sure I’m hitting every spot. Seriously, this thing hugs my legs like it’s my new BFF.

Plus, it’s totally lightweight. I could easily hold it and glide it along my skin without it feeling like a workout for my wrist. No awkward, heavy device here.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Now, I won’t pretend this is all rainbows and roses. There are a couple of things to note if you’re considering the Pure Adapt IPL Device:

  1. No IPL on Sunburned or Tanned Skin: If you’ve been baking in the sun (guilty!), or you’ve got a tan from your last beach vacation, hold off for a bit. IPL and tanned skin do not mix. I had to wait about a week until my tan faded before I started using it.

  2. Consistency Is Key: It’s not like a magic wand that works after one use. You’ve got to be consistent, which is why the recommendation is one treatment a week for 12 weeks. But if you’re willing to commit, the results are worth it.

  3. Patch Test: As with any device that targets your skin, doing a patch test is a must—especially if you have sensitive skin. Just take the extra step and do it. No one wants an unpleasant surprise.

The Bottom Line

After years of constantly shaving, waxing, or dealing with painful laser treatments, the Pure Adapt IPL Hair Removal Device has completely changed the game for me. It’s quick, easy, and the results speak for themselves. I’m officially done with my razor, and I have the smooth skin I’ve always wanted with a lot less hassle.

For anyone who’s sick of the never-ending hair removal cycle and wants something that actually works—without needing to book appointments or break the bank—this is the one. You’re looking at a hassle-free, long-term solution to smooth, hair-free skin. And honestly, what could be better than that?

Pro Tip: Treat yourself to this at-home hair removal device. You won’t regret it. Plus, it’s available in three sleek colors (I’m all about that Sage Green, but there’s Champagne and Slate Grey for the extra-stylish among us).

Ready to say goodbye to razors and waxing? Get the Pure Adapt IPL Hair Removal Device and start living your best hair-free life.

Giovanni Eco Chic Beauty™ Color Chic™ Purple Line – The Secret Weapon for Bombshell Blondes

March 31, 2025

Color Chic™ Purple Shampoo, Conditioner and Foam for Lightened Hair Features Good-For-You Actives: Argan, Avocado and Coconut Oils, Biotin, Apple Cider Vinegar, Aloe Vera and Keratin.

If you’re in the know, you already know Giovanni Eco Chic Beauty™ is a staple behind the scenes of award shows and red carpets, keeping the hair of Hollywood’s finest looking flawless. Now, just in time for the glittering madness of awards season, Giovanni is dropping its first-ever Color Chic™ Purple Line, specifically designed for those of us blessed (or cursed) with lightened hair – think bombshell blondes, silver foxes, and everyone in between. This trio of products includes a Purple Shampoo, Conditioner, and a Leave-In Hair Styling & Toning Foam, and they might just be your new best friend.

First, let’s talk about what’s in it. The Color Chic line isn’t just your average purple shampoo. It’s packed with all the good-for-you actives like Argan, Avocado, and Coconut Oils, plus the holy grail of haircare: Biotin, Apple Cider Vinegar, Aloe Vera, and Keratin. What does all that mean? Intense moisture, frizz control, and a refresh for lightened hair to keep it bright, shiny, and brass-free. The purple pigments are formulated to neutralize those pesky yellow and orange tones that appear as color fades. So, if you’re dealing with that “brassy blonde” situation, this is your solution.

Celebrity stylist Sean James, who works with the iconic Jamie Lee Curtis, swears by Giovanni’s salon-quality products. He explains, “When I need hair to stand up, sit down, be sculpted, shined, for a demanding day on the set, this is the brand that I and my industry pro colleagues turn to.” And, honestly, when Jamie Lee’s hair looks as gorgeous as it does, you’re going to want to take those styling tips to heart.

This line delivers on all fronts. The Shampoo works to clarify and tone, removing brassiness while moisturizing your strands. The Conditioner adds that hydration without weighing things down. And for that extra pop, the Leave-In Foam is an absolute game-changer. It tames frizz, adds volume, and helps maintain that fresh-from-the-salon glow. It’s everything you need to keep your lightened locks in check – no more looking like you just stepped out of the pool.

For the price – each product is just $13.99 – you’re getting a premium, celebrity-approved line that works wonders for color-treated hair. Whether you’re picking it up on Amazon, at Whole Foods, or grabbing it while you’re doing your grocery run at Costco (yes, please), it’s accessible, effective, and doesn’t break the bank.

What else is there to love? Giovanni’s 46-year legacy in the entertainment industry. This brand has been trusted backstage at the Oscars, Emmys, GRAMMYS, and Tonys, styling the tresses of TV, film, and music’s elite. Plus, as a Leaping Bunny-certified brand, it’s cruelty-free – meaning you can look fabulous while feeling good about what you’re putting on your hair.

So, to all the bombshell blondes, silver-haired beauties, and lightened-haired gals out there – Giovanni’s Color Chic line is here to save your hair from brassiness and dullness. Hydrated, glossy, and perfectly toned hair? Consider it done.

Get your Giovanni Color Chic Purple Shampoo, Conditioner, and Leave-In Foam now – your hair (and your favorite celeb stylist) will thank you.

Virgo Salon: My Fave DTLA Hair Spot For Cuts, Cezanne and Now THIS!

October 13, 2024

If you haven’t yet heard of Virgo Salon in the heart of DTLA’s Arts District, (here is my Cezanne Keratin Treatment experience!) you’re missing out on a haircare gem. I recently had the chance to visit this texture-focused haven for a dry cut with Ashley, and the experience was everything I could have hoped for—and more. Not only is Virgo dedicated to celebrating all hair textures, from straight to kinky/coily, but they’ve just added a luxurious Japanese Hair Spa service that will transform your hair routine in the most nourishing way possible. More on this soon!

First off – check out the $99 Dry Cut Special all OCT. This is a no-brainer for a quick Fall refresh.

First things first—Ashley is a magician when it comes to cutting hair. Dry cuts are an art form in themselves, and if you’ve never had one, you need to. The beauty of a dry cut is that it allows the stylist to see your hair’s natural texture and shape, making it perfect for anyone looking to enhance or celebrate what’s naturally theirs. Whether you have curls, waves, or pin-straight locks, Ashley tailors the cut to your specific needs. She carefully shapes the hair in its natural state, giving me the most personalized, flattering shape I’ve ever had. No surprises when it’s dry—just perfectly sculpted hair that looks effortlessly chic.

The fabulous Ashley

What sets Virgo apart is not just their expertise with all hair textures but their philosophy of embracing what’s naturally yours or transforming it with intention. Created by celebrity stylist and former Vidal Sassoon educator Mateo Jon, Virgo Salon is a sanctuary where people can rediscover or reinvent their relationship with their hair. Whether you’re seeking a natural look or ready for a transformative treatment like a healthy perm or relaxing treatment, you’re in trusted hands.

I love that Virgo also educates its clients on the best ways to care for and maintain their hair. Ashley gave me a rundown of styling techniques and introduced me to products that are tailored to my hair type—nothing overwhelming, just easy tips to keep my hair looking great between visits.

One of my favorite things about Virgo Salon is their commitment to using clean, sustainable products. Their “Farm-to-Chair” approach means every product they use is plant-based, organic, and often vegan, ensuring that what you’re putting on your hair is both kind to you and the planet. From their non-toxic keratin treatments to their organic color services, you can trust that your hair is being treated with the utmost care.

AND NOW OMG! Introducing Japanese Hair Spa Services

As if Virgo Salon wasn’t already the ultimate destination for textured hair care, they’ve recently added a Japanese Hair Spa service that promises to take your hair wellness to new heights. Imagine a facial—but for your scalp and hair. The service deeply cleanses and detoxifies your scalp, while nourishing your strands with the highest quality products straight from Japan. It’s the ultimate reset for dry, damaged, or stressed-out hair. After one session, you’ll leave with your scalp feeling revitalized and your hair incredibly soft, shiny, and healthy. I can’t wait to try this service on my next visit!

The Bottom Line: Your Hair, Elevated

If you’re looking to take your hair to the next level—whether through a transformative cut, a deep conditioning treatment, or just the best products for your unique texture—Virgo Salon is the place to be. With over 15 years of experience, their stylists are truly dedicated to helping you achieve your hair goals, while also teaching you how to care for it long-term.

And now with the addition of their Japanese Hair Spa service, your hair wellness routine just got a major upgrade. So, if you’re in the Arts District or anywhere in LA, make your way to Virgo Salon for an unforgettable hair experience. Trust me—you’ll leave feeling renewed, refreshed, and ready to embrace the best version of your hair.

VIRGO SALON

(323) 332-2200
513 Molino St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013

BEAUTYOLOGIE’S ONLINE MARKETPLACE WILL TAKE YOU ON AN ETHICALLY SOURCED GLOBETROTTING JOURNEY 

March 6, 2024

why shopIt’s wild to me that Gen Alphas are treasure-hunting Sephora stores seeking Hyaluronic Acid and anything that will prevent wrinkles on their prepubescent faces. While I appreciate their intention for self-care, I wish they’d be more thoughtful about where all their empties will end up or where their products came from in the first place. So it was incredibly refreshing to me when I learned about Robin Doyle’s online beauty marketplace, Beautyologie. Robin and I go back way before Covid times, when I was consumed in the editorial world and she was on the PR side of some amazing beauty brands and projects. 

Beautyologie is not your typical etailer hocking the latest viral Tik Tok trends. It’s a highly curated collection of 50+ beauty brands from all corners of the earth that actually give a shit about the world. Robin draws from 25 years of beauty industry experience as a writer and PR agency owner (Charmed PR). She confesses her idea to create a beauty marketplace for brands using the industry as a vehicle for soclal good came from working with clients who founded the fair trade beauty brands Shea Yeleen and Silktage. Both have been on her site since day one. 

“Once I realized that these women weren’t just making skin care products for the hell of it, but they were doing it to help the ingredient producers in places like Ghana and Morocco make a living and pay for books and food for their kids, I thought, there is so much more good that could come out of the beauty industry if people just paid attention,” she says. 

She also took a trip to India right before the pandemic which transformed her outlook on the consumer industry. Witnessing firsthand how western shopping behavior affects a developing country, she felt incredible guilt for the 20+ years she spent in PR pushing the promotion and sale of endless beauty and accessory items. 

So many of the ingredients that go into our beauty products are farmed and tended to just like the food we eat. Much of them come from the global south and are produced, not always in the best conditions by people who are not always treated or paid fairly. This topic is covered extensively on Robin’s site as well as highilghting where brands are from. In browsing the Countries tab, I can find beauty from Bangladesh to Zambia. 

What I found myself going down a rabbit hole was the Ingredient Checker, a comprehensive guide to all the ingredients used in the products she offers. “I believe that everyone deserves to know exactly what’s in their beauty products and where those ingredients come from,” she explains. 

That’s not to say you will only find crunchy Shea Butter and Argan Oil brands here. A self-admitted beauty snob, Robin looks for efficacious formulas that blend science with ethically sourced ingredients too (Moon Beings Skincare), or Zero-Waste brands (Parrotfish and Axiology). Gorgeous hair accessories and cosmetic bags from India and Guatemala are available too.

Robin dreams of opening her own beauty boutique one day, but rent in LA is ridiculous so she’s created a work around with a collections of Pop-Ups, her largest in the Valley Salt Cave in Woodland Hills on Ventura Blvd. which I plan to visit soon. I love a good Salt Cave, and I hear this one does Tarot Card Sound Baths…ahhh. 

A beauty aficionado myself, I am drooling over some of the products I found on Beautyologie that I’ve never heard of before. Here’s a sampling of my faves from above:

ABHATI Suisse Chambral Sacred Hair Oil – a rich, golden, healthy growth-encouraging blend of ayurvedic botanicals and Indian oils including Himalayan Wild Cherry Oil. 

Amazonian Skinfood Magic Wand: All-in-One Gentle Face Cleasner:  a travel-ready solid face cleansing stick made with Acai, Passion Fruit and Yerba Mate. 

Odylique Mineral Lipstick in Praline – it’s the perfect taupe / nude shade you dream about and it contains Fair Trade Certified Shea Butter. 

Violet Botanical Egyptian Marula Oil – Sourced from Botswana, the texture says it is lightweight and non-greasy. I just want the gorgeous blue glass bottle to have a permanent residence on my vanity. 

Nourishe Supreme Rose Invigoratin Cream – Infused with nine different types of organic roses, and Ayuvvedic herbs. The nutrients of 37 plants create this velvety cream.

Katari Beauty Argil Mediterranean Green Clay Facial Masque – Mined from the Atlas Mountains in Africa, the mineral-rich green clay helps clear acne-prone skin. Housed in a glass bottle with a cork topper. 

Use GROOMED15 for 15% off orders $50 or more. 

CEZANNE: The Toxin-Free Hair Smoothing System You’ve Been Waiting For

August 20, 2023

  This weekend I finally tried Cezanne!

The first-of-its-kind, in-salon keratin treatment that delivers five-star, frizz-free results that last up to five months made with ZERO formaldehyde. Also hypo-allergenic, dermatologist-tested, free of sulfates, parabens, sodium, phthalates, and gluten.

Let’s just say, I couldn’t wait for this. We all know by now how toxic the old ways of straightening and smoothing are. The process was so easy – and zero anxiety about breathing in noxious fumes! (Because – NONE). I loved my stylist, the salon and the outcome. Is there such a thing as ten stars?!

Cezanne is like no other keratin treatment on the market. One of the standout features of the Cezanne Keratin Treatment is its versatility. No downtime.  This means that after the treatment, you can still enjoy the flexibility of wearing your hair straight or allowing it to air-dry with a more relaxed wave. You can wash your hair, swim, etc., right away, and the treatment won’t weaken the hair follicle over time the way similar options might. Another amazing thing as the others have a whole post-regime that is a real pain for me as I am a trainer and sweat daily.

Also, unlike some other keratin treatments, it doesn’t completely straighten the hair or create a stiff, unnatural look. Instead, it aims to retain the hair’s natural texture while enhancing its overall appearance and making it more manageable.

As with any hair treatment, it is essential to consult with a professional stylist who is experienced in applying the Cezanne Keratin Treatment. They can assess your hair type and condition, discuss your desired results, and provide aftercare recommendations to help you maintain the benefits of the treatment. That being said – I headed to the texture-specific salon, organic, plant-based salon VIRGO (omg obsessed!!!) in DTLA, for my treatment. Cutest. Place. EVER.

More about Cezanne:

Benefits:

·       Reveal smooth, frizz-free, and manageable hair

·       Long-lasting results that improve with time

·       No formaldehyde or harsh chemicals

·       Safe for all hair types, including color-treated hair

·       Restores and strengthens hair from within

·       Reduces blow-dry and styling time by 30%

·       Retains natural volume and movement

·       Provides a radiant, healthy shine

Besides the professional treatment itself, Cezanne offers 8 different consumer-based products that’ll help maintain the life of the treatment including: The Ultimate Blonde Shampoo, Ultimate Blonde Conditioner, Perfect Moisture Shampoo, Perfect Moisture Conditioner, Clarifying Shampoo, Leave-In Perfector Spray, Silky Nourishing Oil and the Perfect Blowout & Smoothing Crème – all available on cezanne-hair.com.

And some more Cezanne non-toxic keratin:

Cezanne Keratin Treatment is designed to transform frizzy or unruly hair into smooth, manageable locks. Named after the renowned French Post- Impressionist artist Paul Cezanne, this treatment seeks sleek, smooth results and long-lasting results.

The Cezanne Keratin Treatment is formulated with a blend of natural ingredients and advanced technology. Unlike traditional keratin treatments, it is free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, making it a safer and gentler option for your hair. The primary active ingredient is Sericin, a protein derived from silk that helps to repair and strengthen the hair cuticles while locking in moisture.

The treatment process typically starts with a thorough cleansing of the hair to remove any product buildup and impurities. Afterward, the Cezanne Keratin Treatment is carefully applied to the hair, section by section. The product is then left on the hair for a specific period to allow the keratin and other ingredients to penetrate the hair shaft and work their magic. Once the processing time is complete, the hair is blow-dried and flat-ironed to seal in the treatment.

The results of the Cezanne Keratin Treatment can vary depending on the hair type and texture, but in general, you can expect to enjoy silky hydrated hair, air dries smoother,shinier, and more manageable hair for an extended period, usually around three to five months. The treatment helps to reduce frizz, tame unruly curls, hydrate and smooth greys and cut down on styling time, making it an excellent option for those with busy lifestyles.

Stylist : Ashanti Brigham – Texture Specialist. A DOLL!!! 

 Website: ilovevirgo.com

Phone Number: 323.332.2200

Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 9-5 (by appointment only)

Address is 513 Molino St., Los Angeles, CA 90013.