I’m a big fan of luxurious scents. I want my house to always smell amazing, and my hand soap and body wash is no exception. One problem: they’re always so expensive. The good news is I searched for some of the best-smelling hand and body washes on a budget and found some pretty amazing contenders. I was convinced that I would keep a bottle of Aesop hand wash on my countertop, but every time it runs empty I cringe at the price tag to replace it. Now this Oud Cedar and Amber scent by Baylis & Harding is my current go-to hand wash that I keep on the bathroom countertop. I also recently discovered the Method Vetiver + Amber hand soap and it smells exactly like Santal 33 from Le Labo for a whopping $7.99! Safe to say I’m stocking up on that one. Including all of my favorite luxurious hand soaps and body washes below!

SHOP SOAPS

The post Bougie Soap On A Budget appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.

This post is sponsored by Pantene. All opinions are my own.

I have a confession: I avoid washing my hair at all costs. 90% of the time, I’m a few days in from my washed hair, if not a full-on week. But here’s the thing I absolutely hate oily hair, and I feel gross if my hair shows even the least bit of oil. So how do I keep my tresses from looking flat and oily? My secret weapon is dry shampoo. My go-to these days is Pantene’s Cheat Day Dry Shampoo Foam. It’s perfect for when you want to wear your hair down without a wash. No fuss, no visible grease, and ready to leave the house hair in minutes! I thought I’d share three of my favorite ways to hide hair that probably should have been washed three days ago. Try these step-by-step tutorials for lazy day hair that looks amazing.

First things first, you’ll want a solid dry shampoo to revive the hair and bring it back to life sans water. Spray Cheat Day Dry Shampoo Foam dissolves oil and refreshes a style without having to start over and wash. I love that it softens while it cleanses, keeping shiny moisturized hair as a quick reset button. To apply Cheat Day Dry Shampoo Foam shake the bottle, squeeze onto your fingertips and massage into your roots in small sections. Remember, a little foam goes a long way!

Style 1: Half up top knot

For a gal in a hurry this is your go-to look. A lil half-up half-down look that is totally chic, but equally effortless. I love it when my curls are starting to get loose and I don’t want to re-curl all of my hair. I mean who has time for that?

Step 1: Spritz some Cheat Day Dry Shampoo Foam onto your hand and massage into the roots, followed with some Curl Affair Curl Reshaping Cream to the rest of the hair for some bounce and curl.

Step 2: Section out the top part of the hair. You want to leave more hair in the bottom section as this will be left down. I like to leave a few strands (like baby hairs and face framing pieces) out of the section for a bit of a tousled, messy look.

Step 3: Loop the top section of your hair into a ponytail on the top of your head secure with a small hairband or scrunchie. Pull the ponytail through fully two times, then leave the ponytail half pulled through on the third time.

Step 4: To style, massage small sections of the bun and your hair between your thumb and forefinger to give a messy, textured finish. Lightly pull at the base, making sure it isn’t too tight. Bumps and messy bits are encouraged!

Style 2: Space Buns

It doesn’t get cuter than space buns! For a super cute look that is a little more out-of-this-world than a ponytail or top knot, this is your look.

Step 1: Part your hair into two and then spritz some Cheat Day Dry Shampoo Foam onto your hand and massage through the roots. Don’t forget to apply to the bottom and back of your hair, as that will be a very visible part of this look.

Step 2: Part hair down the middle, and create two ponytails. I like to leave a few strands (like baby hairs and face framing pieces) out of the ponytails for a bit of a tousled, messy look.

Step 3: Once both sides are secured, twist the ponytail around itself in a circular motion until all of the hair is wrapped around. Secure it with a second hairband.

Step 4: To style, massage the hair with your thumb and forefinger to give a messy, textured finish. Lightly pull at the base, making sure it isn’t too tight. Gently tug on the outer edges to loosen the strands. Bumps and messy bits are encouraged!

Style 3: Half up pinned back twists

Looking for a hairstyle that is SUPER simple? This one is for you. I love to do this when I’m avoiding heat styling my hair

Step 1: Spritz some Cheat Day Dry Shampoo Foam onto your hand and massage through the roots.

Step 2: Grab the top piece of your hair on each side and pull it toward the back of your head. I like to leave a few of the very front strands hanging loose for a tousled, messy look.

Step 3: Secure each side with a bobby pin or hair clip, twisting the piece slightly.

Step 4: To style, massage the hair you pinned back slightly with your thumb and forefinger to give a loose finish. Then, I like to pump some Curl Affair Curl Reshaping Cream into my hand and scrunch the hair to bring back the tousled bounce into my hair without having to heat style again.

Around day four post-wash, my ends start to get really dry, which is where the Mist Behaving Dry Conditioner Mist comes in handy. It’s great for hair that gets dry easily, which I always need because my hair is bleached and colored. It’s the perfect addition to my hair so it can get that much-needed nourishment in a hurry.

Hope you love these looks for when you want to hit the reset button on your hair without having to do a full wash. You can grab these products at your local Target, and right here.

The post 3 Ways to Revive Day 3 Hair appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.

For me, hair-washing day is an EVENT. It takes a lot of time, so I like to make it a self-care process to carve out some special time for myself. Of course, I had to share my go-to self care routine for wash days!

My new fave shampoo I’m reaching for is from Nutrient Blends Collection from Pantene. It’s super moisturizing, sulfate, paraben, dye and mineral oil-free, and smells like a dream! I’m a big fan of rose water everything (face mists, lotions, toner, you name it!) and the Miracle Moisture Boost with Rose Water lives up to my obsession.

Being blonde means I’m always battling dry, bleached hair. I have to do a little bit extra to enrich these strands, and I love how much moisture the rose water collection gives my hair. I don’t have to worry about it dulling my color either because it’s all sulfate-free. Bonus points for how good it smells!

Here’s my self-care routine for wash days, so that you can give your wash days a boost:

1. Light a candle. Step one to any type of relaxation for me always starts with a candle. It sets the mood, and makes me slow down. Plus, there’s nothing better than indulging in your favorite scent.

2. Play a mellow playlist. Step two in setting the mood: the music. Cue up something that makes you feel zen. For me, I go straight for my Relax playlist on Spotify.

3. Wash your hair. I’m using using Pantene’s Miracle Moisture Boost with Rose Water Shampoo and Conditioner from their Nutrient Blends Collection because it’s perfect for gentle cleansing, leaving my dry hair feeling soft and not stripped. Take a peek at the Pantene Nutrient Blends website to find what’s best for your hair.

4. Put on a mask + condition your hair. I’m a big fan of getting in as much moisture as possible, so I like to leave my conditioner in for a good 5-10 minutes. Soaking your hair gives you extra soft strands! While your conditioner is sitting do a face mask. Then do a final rinse. Easy peasy!

5. Read a book. Read and lounge in a robe while your hair dries. I love to keep a book of poetry lying around and give myself some peaceful reading time.

Hope this makes your wash days something to look forward to! Shop the Miracle Moisture Boost with Rose Water Collection here. Happy self-care day, babes! xoxo Erika

The post 5 Step Self-Care Routine appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.

I try to put off hair wash days at all times, because ain’t nobody got time for that. Growing up I always thought those funny movie scenes about how a girl gets out of a date by saying “sorry I can’t go, I have to wash my hair” were just a silly joke. But that isn’t even an excuse for me, it’s real life–am I right? I try to prolong the wash process as long as possible, and I’m so happy to finally be able to stretch it to almost a week. How can I pull off four to six days of no washing? Waterl<ss No Residue dry shampoo is my go-to!

There are so many reasons that I avoid wash days. For one, the fact that the process of washing, drying and styling takes hours on end. I also try to be conscious of how much water I’m using, and I love that I can skip wash days and still have clean, conditioned hair that smells amazing without using a single drop of water.

Can you believe this is day four hair and it isn’t even phased? Usually by day three I’m reaching for a hat to hide my not-so-clean hair, but with Waterl<ss I don’t have anything to worry about. I just keep it in my bag, and I love that I can stretch my hair wash days to almost a full week!

They started off with such a great purpose too! When the city of Cape Town, South Africa announced that it was 3 months away from running out of water, Waterl<ss launched in their area to ensure they could have clean hair when they had no other choice. They even made it work with a diverse range of hair types which I’m all for!

Non-wash days are the biggest relief for me. I’m all for any product that can make my day four hair look like it’s still day one. Not only do they have dry shampoo, but they also have Weightless Smooth Dry Conditioner to keep your hair soft. I always keep dry shampoo in my bag to keep my hair looking fresh when I’m out and about and give it a boost with the dry conditioner when it’s feeling dry.

You’ve got to check out Waterl<ss for your non-wash days. It smells amaze and takes the stress out of wash days like no other. To find out more about Waterless products check out the new website or find them in stores at Target, Sally Beauty, Walmart and CVS. Grab yours here! xoxo Erika

The post How To Make Your Hair Last Between Washings appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.

Finding hair products I LOVE takes me years, and I had to spread the word about my essentials because I’ve gone through so many to find something that actually works for me. I don’t wash my hair super often, and I only heat style my hair about twice a week when I wash it, and somehow it is totally manageable in the meantime. I’m not even joking half of the time you see me in photos or videos I’m on day two or three hair, and it looks like I just tousled those waves. My hair didn’t always act that way. Once I found these products it made things so much easier to style, hold, and be healthy.

Heat Protector

First things first, if you use any sort of heat on your hair please use a heat protectant. My absolute favorite is Verb Ghost Prep. Something about this product makes my hair. I can’t exactly pinpoint what it is, but ever since I started using this I stopped using hair spray because my hair keeps the hold. It makes my hair smooth, soft, bouncy, and thick without adding any weight or grease. If I could only use one product on my hair it would be this. P.S. Another good heart protectant is Unite 7Seconds Spray.

A Detangling Brush

Gone are the days of tearing out your hair every time you brush it. A detangling brush is where it’s at. I use the Wet Brush, and there are many more detangling brushes out on the market too. If you don’t have one already, you’ve got to add this to your hair collection.

A Good Oil

The reality is I don’t use many hair products because I keep things simple with a few great products. I could not go a day without my Kerastase Elixir Ultime Oil Serum. I pump it into my hand, run it through all of my hair, and it takes away all of the frizz, and leaves my hair so shiny and smooth. Honestly the before and after when you use this product still blows my mind every day. And a little cheap trick on this product because I tell ya, it’s expensive… Kerastase is part of the L’Oréal brand, and they make a very similar product for under $10. I always pick up this cheaper bottle for travel and days when I’m running low on the expensive stuff. Honestly it’s so similar you might not even notice. Another go-to is the Ouai Hair and Body Oil which smells heavenly.

Dry Shampoo

After years and years of figuring out how to make my hair work for me I’ve come down to one theory: hair is all about the right amount of oil and dryness. You ends need a damn good oil, and your roots are going to need a good dry shampoo if you want to make each wash last. I used to obsess over Oscar Blandi’s Pronto dry shampoo, but since they don’t make it anymore I’ve had to spread my wings and I landed on this Verb Dry Shampoo. I do use aerosol dry shampoos too (like this Kristen Ess one), but I love the texture I get from this powder dry shampoo. I use it on my roots even right after I wash/style my hair, and keep using it all week until my hair is desperate for a wash.

Conditioning Treatment

I am all for a good conditioning treatment. One of my favorites is Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 for keeping color-treated hair healthy. I am always dealing with blonde breakage, and this product saves my hair time and time again. You used to only be able to get Olaplex during your hair coloring process at the salon, but now you can buy this treatment and use it at home. I soak it in my hair for ten minutes before every wash, and it leaves my hair so much softer. I also love to do a conditioning treatment at the end of my hair washing days with the Kristin Ess Strand Strengthening Reconstructive Moisture Mask. I’ll leave it in for 5-10 minutes and it leaves my hair so soft.

Purple Shampoo + Conditioner

This part specifically is for blondes. If you have blonde hair, chances are you know how important a purple shampoo is. I’ve tried so many purple shampoos, and I’ve ruled out almost all of them except for the R+Co Sunset Blvd Blonde Shampoo. It’s the only blonde shampoo that tones my hair without drying it out completely, and it doesn’t overtone it like some of the super purple ones do. I love that it gets a good lather too! Another favorite purple solution is the Kristin Ess The One Purple Conditioner. I never see purple conditioners, and this one has been so helpful for the times when my hair was really damaged but needed a good toning.

Shop My Hair Favorites

The post My Ride or Die Hair Products appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.

LANEIGE WATER  SLEEPING MASK

This is one everyone raves about, and it’s a lifesaver in the winter time. The Water Sleeping Mask moisturizes during your sleep, and you wake up feeling SO refreshed. My skin is always super soft after using this. I also saw they have it in lavender now, and that sounds like the most relaxing way to spend your nightly routine. Definitely the ideal solution to dry winter skin!

UFO OIL

Hello glowing skin. I can’t rave about the Sunday Riley UFO Oil enough. I’m really into this in the wintertime because it moisturizes and fights acne at the same time. When I have breakouts and use other acne products they tend to make my skin so dry and flaky that my skin won’t hold onto any foundation, so this is my main solution for that issue. Plus, every time I wake up after using this I’m like whaaat my face is poppin’. It gives my skin this amazing glow, and even when my skin is breaking out I feel like I could go out without makeup after using this. It’s magic stuff I’m telling you.

GLOSSIER MOISTURIZER 

I love a good moisturizer, but I hate when they break the bank. Cue the Glossier Priming Moisturizer Rich, it’s thick and SUPER moisturizing, but also on the affordable side at $35 a pop. Even though it’s pretty thick I’ve been using this morning and night because this dry winter weather is making me have to overcompensate with the extra thick stuff. 10/10 on this one!

MARIO BADESCU CUCUMBER TONIC MASK

Making is vital for me, and I tend to do it 1-2 times a week, but in the wintertime I’m always worried about drying out my skin when masking. I’ve been reaching for the Cucumber Tonic Mask mask on repeat this month. It’s one of my faves, and I always order more before it runs out so I’m never without it.

GLOSSIER ZIT STICK

Again, a product that targets acne without drying out my entire face. I like the Zit Stick because you can target a pimple right on the spot without getting any of your clear skin in contact with it. Between the UFO Oil and this my skin is able to fight the acne without drying out all over.

What are your fave winter skincare solutions? Let me know in the comments! xoxo Erika

The post My January Skincare Routine appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.

Every now and then I like to switch things up in my skincare routine. You know when you’re doing the same exercise over and over so it makes your muscles used to it, and you stop seeing results? Same goes for skin. Lately I’ve been trying different masks and moisturizers to give my skin a refresh, so I was  really excited when I was browsing the Advanced Clinicals site and saw that all of their products are $30 and under. Hello affordable skincare!

The price point alone makes them great gifts this holiday season! Plus, who doesn’t want to be pampered after stressful time of the holidays? They’re affordable, and they actually work which are two of the main things you could hope for in skincare. I tried out a bunch of their products, and my favorites were the Activated Charcoal Peel-Off Face Mask and the Power Quad Mask Set. The mask set is made specially in mini sizes, with a mix of clay and gel face masks. They’re so perfect for gift sets during the holidays!

The Activated Charcoal Peel-Off Face Mask was next level. I used it after a long day, and when I pulled it off I felt like I had baby skin. It’s super hydrating and when I woke up the next morning my skin was poppin’! I’m definitely dropping it into some stockings this year!

Another product I’m loving is the serums. I’ve been using the Collagen Instant Plumping Serum to reduce lines and wrinkles, and the Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum for uneven skin tone. I tend to obsess over keeping my feet smooth, and the Cracked Heel Rough Spot Cream is super helpful for that too. I love the idea of a “treat someone” gift set with a few of the items, or even a treat yourself set for yourself! They sent along a discount so you could give some gifts too. Head over to their site right here, and use the code ERIKA30 for 30% off from 12/17/18 – 1/17/19!

This post was a sponsored collaboration with Advanced Clinicals, all opinions are my own. 

The post Treat Yourself With Advanced Clinicals appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.

Doing my eyelashes and eyebrows are my getting-ready essentials before I leave the house, so I’m always trying to keep them looking long, thick and healthy. I know I’m not the only one trying to make my eyelashes grow and pop. Like most ladies, I’m always keeping my eye out for the best mascara or serum, but they’re always so expensive. Of course, I was so thrilled to test out the new lash duo from Avon: Anew Clinical Unlimited Lashes Serum and Avon True Color Love At 1st Lash mascara. I’m so excited to show you my eyelash journey!

MY NIGHTTIME ROUTINE

I’ve been using Anew Clinical Unlimited Lashes Serum at night after my usual skin routine, and it’s a super simple swipe across the lash line. You apply it right above the lash line without touching the lashes, and let it dry. You only need one dip for both lashes. It’s the quickest part of my nighttime routine, which makes it so convenient. Plus, you can use it on your eyebrows which I’m all about! It’s way more affordable than a lot of other options, and it works while you sleep. My eyelashes looked longer and thicker in just a few weeks. Can it really be this easy?

Disclaimer: Growth photos with mascara applied to show lash fullness

Before I started the lash formula, my eyelashes were full, but not all that long. After the first month, they started to get visibly longer and thicker. I noticed they had a much more feathered look, and had a nice long swoop at the ends. Then, as the weeks passed, they really started to pop and steal the show. By the third month I’d apply just a bit of mascara, and my lashes looked completely thick and full. I can’t believe the results!

MY DAYTIME ROUTINE

Along with the lash formula, I’ve been finishing my daytime makeup routing with the Avon True Color Love At 1st Lash mascara. They’re the perfect morning and night duo! My favorite part about the mascara is how feathered and thick its leaves my lashes. The mascara contains Vitamins A, C, and E to condition lashes, along with olive oil to help strengthen them. They look so thick with just one coat! They’re not just full, they’re nicely brushed and separated. Between the lash formula at night, and the mascara during the day I feel like I have false eyelashes without all of the hassle (and cost!).

I’m so impressed with the new look! I’m feeling so good about my lashes, and even caught myself heading out of the door with just tinted moisturizer and a coat of  the Love At 1st Lash mascara. No more layers on layers of mascara for this gal! Available exclusively through Avon Representatives at avon.com!

This post was sponsored by Avon, all views are my own.

The post How To Give Your Lashes A Boost appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.

It’s so important to unwind from life, and self-care is something I feel like I can never do enough of. I recently bought this bath tray to store a wine glass and my favorite products on in the bath, and it’s been the perfect excuse to take more baths. I find if I do a few self-care things each day that everything else flows much better throughout the day. My perfect self-care day involves some Pinot Noir, a bubble bath, and watching reruns of my favorite show. Sharing a few of my favorite reminders to give yourself a bit more time for yourself below!

The Self-Care Essentials

1. Calming Music. I’m big on guided meditations. I try to give myself 5-10 minutes a day for a guided meditation. It helps me center my thoughts and get better ideas when I give myself that quiet time. I also love playing calming spa music in the background to help ease my mind. Turn on some spa music on YouTube, pour a glass of wine, and set the mood to feel relaxed. Even better: lounge in a robe!

2.  Light candles. Something about lighting a candle burning can make you feel at ease. Every time I light a candle I feel a sense of calm and remember to slow down each time I smell that lovely scent. My current favorite scent is the Diptyque Roses Candle. It literally smells like a rose garden.

3. Do a Mask. Skincare is one of the most self-care things to do! Taking time to do a face mask and body scrub will give back to your skin all week long. Right now I’m loving the Mario Badescu Cucumber Tonic Mask. Do a mask, moisturize, and enjoy your smoothest skin.

4.  Draw a bath. When I actually take bath I’m reminded of what a simple way it is to disconnect and unwind. I always feel like I should take more baths! A relaxing bath is the perfect time to do a face mask, read a book, and have a glass of wine. Draw a bath, toss in some bubbles (I love using lavender soap), and soak up the relaxation.

5. Put Down Your Phone. Our phones are always within an arms reach,  which can be convenient but a bit overwhelming. Put your phone away and try grabbing something screen-less to take up your time, like a book. It always makes me feel better to have something without the distractions of notifications filling my mind.

Do you fall behind at giving yourself “me” time? What sort of self care do you want to get better at?

The post A Guide To Self Care appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.

Natural-looking makeup is major for me, and I LOVE Glossier for that exact reason. The whole brand is about bringing out the natural look and accentuating natural beauty—think freckles, dewy skin, and feathered eyebrows. I love so many of their products, and they’re perfect for when you want to run out of the door quickly, but have a nice natural glow. When I was in Tulum last year the humidity was so high that I couldn’t keep ANY makeup on my face, but luckily I had my Glossier products to keep me looking fresh. I’d use a bit of perfecting skin tint and boy brow, and voilà I was ready to go. My must-have Glossier products are boy brow, stretch concealer, haloscope, and perfecting tint. If you want to try it for yourself,  get 10% off your first purchase here.

The post My Glossier Favorites appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.