REVIEW: ProfilePRO Customized Hair Care

For 40% off a trial size at ProfilePRO use code: DT40OFF

I've never been fussy over shampoo or conditioner. I don't have a go-to brand or type of product that I use on a daily basis. I've used everything - drug store brands like Tresemme and Herbal Essence to more expensive products like Bumble and Bumble, Paul Mitchell, and Wen. I've never stuck with one brand too long and I've never been against trying new brands. So when ProfliePRO asked me to try out their customizable products, I was happy to do so!

The Product:

Basically, ProfliePRO customizes and formulates it's products for your specific hair type based on a questionnaire you fill out prior to placing an order.

You answer these questions, customize the name of your own shampoo and conditioner, and then check out. Easy-peasy!

They've put in the work and done their homework. They've analyzed different profile results and tested them on the various hair types to make sure each custom profile works! Their products are made in a manufacturing facility for cosmetics and hair products in Italy. The products are sulfate free for a gentle clean.

The Review:

My initial thought when I read about this product was awesome. Most shampoos and conditioners I've used only consider one (maybe two) characteristics of hair (re: for blondes, thickening, or smoothing). So to come across a product that's formulated for my type, texture, behavior, and scalp - all in one - was pretty impressive and definitely got me interested.

So I customized my products. My hair is wavy, frizzy, and thick. It's colored. And my scalp is between normal and dry. I chose the Jasmine scent. And done. It was being made in Italy and soon would be at my door.

First off, the signature Jasmine scent is ahhhh-stinkin'-mazin' y'all. For real. It's perfectly pleasant. Some beauty product scents are just too much. Over-bearing and sometimes even overcompensating for the product itself. I'm sure the other ProflinePRO scent options are just as great, but I totally recommend Jasmine.

It took me a couple weeks to really use the product and feel comfortable writing about it. I wash my hair 1-2 times a week, so I wanted to get in a few washes before forming any opinions. Because I don't wash my hair daily, it's important for me to have a shampoo that really cleans the scalp. I use dry shampoo daily and between that and just being out in the elements, I get a decent amount of buildup  around my roots after a few days. So shampoo is crucial for me. I don't care about the brand, it just needs to cleanse and restore my hair.

I had just a couple issues with the shampoo. Each time I washed my hair, I found myself having to use excess amounts to cover all of my hair. The website states that the shampoo does not lather due to it being sulfate-free. I've actually used a couple of non-lathering shampoos that have been great. The problem I had with the ProfliePRO was that it didn't really distribute. Once I put the shampoo in one area, it was almost impossible for me to move the product elsewhere. It felt like it just disappeared into my hair. I subsequently had to use more and more of the product to cover my entire head. I do have a lot of hair, but I just found it annoying that I had to go back to the bottle multiple times per wash.

In addition to that, as I mentioned, I need a product that washes away the buildup and grime; however, my scalp didn't feel as clean as I wanted it following a wash - which could have just been a result of having a difficult time moving the product around in my hair. So that was disappointing. In contrast to that, the shampoo is marketed as gentle and if you're someone who washes daily, it would probably be perfect for you. I need a deeper clean because of my washing schedule.

I think if you wash your hair every day or even every other day you need to try this customizable shampoo and conditioner. If you only wash a couple times a week, you may find it to be too gentle for a really good cleaning. Either way, I highly recommend everyone giving it a try!

***For 40% off a trial size at ProfilePRO use code: DT40OFF***

Leopard + Yellow

dress: c/o Paperwhite

pumps: Nine West

belt: similar

clutch: similar

One of the best parts about having this blog is learning about new companies. Paperwhite reached out to me to review a few of their pieces - and I have to say, I'm pretty impressed. Their clothes are comfortable, functional, and versatile - three things I love and usually require of any items going into my closet. Lately, I've been sticking with pieces that are classic, so I feel like a bit of a daredevil wearing this leopard dress - and I love it. The dress is designed as a shift, but I've never been happy with how I look in a shift, so I belted it and it's perfect. 

Check out their site or find them in a store near you. 

After a few photos of just me, the girls insisted they get into a picture. 

GIVEAWAY: Travalo Perfume Atomizer {CLOSED}

I'll be honest. A lot of times when I have an trip planned, I often stop by a department store or Sephora and ask for samples of a new perfume I want to try out when actually it's a perfume I always use. When traveling away from home, I still want to smell nice, but I don't want to pack a large, odd shaped perfume bottle - because let's be honest, perfume bottles these days are typically shaped like flowers, genie lamps, or Justin Beiber. No one has room for that in a carry-on - especially if it's over 3oz. #amiright

Solution: Travalo perfume bottle atomizer travel sprays. 

These bottles are the size of a lipstick tube and they are customizable in that they can be filled with your favorite perfume over and over again. They are durable, leak-proof (woop, woop), and aircraft approved. They can slip in a purse or a carry-on and you'll always have your scent with you without carrying a large bottle. I love practical solutions. 

Check out their website to get a look at all the different products and colors they offer.

So Travalo sent me a couple of bottles to try out and give away. I found them incredibly easy to use and in no time I had my favorite scent travel-ready. 

They offer a variety of bottles - some spray and some rollerball. 

Filling the bottles is quite simple. Just remove the spray cap from your favorite perfume bottle, place the Travalo onto the stem of the bottle, and then pump until you have the desired amount of liquid in your Travalo. You can get up to 65 sprays in one bottle!

Voila! Your favorite perfume is ready to travel to work, downtown, or across the country. 

THE GIVEAWAY

I'm giving away a spray bottle and a rollerball - both in silver. 

To enter the giveaway, simply comment below whether you'd like to have the spray bottle or the rollerball. 

I will pick TWO winners TWO weeks from today. 

For additional entries: 

Please leave a separate comment for each additional entry so you increase your chances for winning. 

Like Travalo on Facebook

Like Dwelling and Telling on Facebook

Follow Travalo on Twitter

Follow @linleyshea on Twitter

Tweet about this giveaway including @linleyshea @Travalo and a link to this post

GOOD LUCK!

---------

If you don't happen to win or you don't want to wait, Travalo is offering Dwelling and Telling readers 20% off! Just enter code DandT at checkout! 

EDIT // Congratulations Mallory and Meg! Winners have been contacted directly. 

Review: HP Photosmart 6520 All-in-one Printer

I recently finished the desk portion of our home office (it's all still a work in progress). It's simple and functional - and it's a design Chris and I both love. It provides us with plenty of desk space, hides our files, and it's decorative. The only thing our home office was missing was a printer. So it was a blessing when Staples contacted me to review the HP Photosmart 6520 eAll-in-one Printer. (#yesplease)

I have to be honest, I was a little intimidated prior to opening this box. Since the printer offered so many different functions, I was a little worried it would be complicated to set up and more of a hassle than anything (I can make a desk and hang shelves on the wall, but this little guy made me nervous - go figure). 

Much to my surprise, the printer was incredibly user friendly and within 20 minutes of opening the box I was printing pictures. 

The printer came with four different ink cartridges - which, again, were super easy to install.

It also came with a package of glossy, 4x6 sheets for printing. 

As you can see in the bottom left corner in the above picture, the printer is operated by a 3.45" touch screen - which I particularly loved. As much as we touch and swipe on electronics, it made the setup and printing process a breeze. It also offered video demos for certain steps of the set-up process. (#fancy)

The main thing I loved about this printer was it only required one cord. One! And that was just to plug it into the wall for power. Everything else was wireless. It wirelessly connected to our internet - then my laptop was able to find it and send my pictures. Perhaps all home printers these days do this, but my last printer purchase was in grad school (maybe even undergrad?) at least four to five years ago and wireless wasn't an option for me. So I was impressed. 

Once the printer connected to the internet and my computer connected to the printer, we got down to business. In a matter of seconds, I printed a 4x6 of us last week on our three year anniversary. Now I've just got to find a frame. 

This bad boy not only prints pictures and documents, but you can also use it to scan and make copies. As far as size and aesthetics - it's a typical printer size, but it's design is sleek so it isn't bulky or distracting. I am 100% pleased with this HP printer and I think it's a great value for the price and the capabilities. If you're in the market for a printer that has some versatility and is easy to use, this is a good buy! Go here to read all the capabilities and specs on this HP printer. 

Full disclosure: Staples provided me with this item for review. The thoughts and opinions expressed are strictly my own. Feel free to shop their entire line of printers online.

Working Out

pants: c/o Purusha, sweater: LL Bean, shoes: Nike Free Run

Being that it's a brand new year, some places already have bikinis out on the floors (ahem, Target), and summer will be here before I even realize it, I'm starting a workout program. This week officially starts: Mission Get In Shape. My brother-in-law found great success in the Couch to 5K program, so I'm going with that. I think I'll also throw some push ups and sit ups in the mix. I'm ridiculously out of shape, it's embarrassing; so hopefully this program will do the trick without me hating it the first week.

I have a new pair of pants to run in thanks to the sweet Hayley at Purusha. She makes everything herself! Her products are marketed towards yoga, but I've tested them out - you can run in them too! The are comfy for my workouts as they allow me to move around without restrictions - and they're a gorgeous blue color that I can stare at all day long! They are also great for long road trips or lounging around the house. Definitely my new favorite leggings! Check out all of her pieces on her Etsy shop!

Review: Invista LYCRA

jeans: c/o DL 1961

I recently had the privilege of trying out a pair of jeans that were made with INVISTA's LYCRA fabric. It's a type of miracle ingredient that's embedded into top denim brands (7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, DL 1961). This fabric gives the jeans a little somethin-somethin so they hug your lower half in ways you've always wanted! It gives the perfect fit and, best of all, it keeps that perfect fit through the day and from wear to wear. It's pretty amazing. 

I wore my jeans over the weekend doing weekend-thing. I strutted around on this dirt road, went out to eat, did a bit of shopping, and ran a few necessary errands. The jeans hugged me perfectly from the am to the pm.  And then fit great (again) the very next day. 

I am super picky when it comes to denim. I'm most picky in length and fit - and these jeans have made me a happy girl. I will definitely give this type of fabric another try as I do feel as if it's the reason they fit so well. 

Definitely check out this type of fabric and definitely give it a try if you, like me, have a hard time finding good jeans that fit right. Hooray for perfect-fit jeans! 

Review: Personal Microderm PMD

A couple months back I reached out to PMD about trying their personal microderm device. Pimples and I were besties during my younger years. I never listened to my mom when she said, "Linley, leave your face alone." Additionally, I haven't put on sunscreen every day of my life and I'm not getting any younger. The point: my face is far from perfect. I've dealt with scars and other imperfections on my face for a while. I've yet to find any creams, serums, or other attempts that produce visible results of an improved complexion.

The lovely people over at PMD were so generous to send out a device to me. Below you will see what comes with the device, a brief explanation of how to use it, and my thoughts on the product. 

The PersonalMicroderm System comes with:

A DVD providing step-by-step directions on how to use the PMD. Also view the video here. 

A motor shaft

Two protective caps (different sizes)

Six discs (different sizes and types)

Power cord (not pictured)

How To Use:

You can visit the site for more in-dept instructions on using the device. You assemble the appropriate disc and cap onto the motor. Once the device is ready, you simply turn it on and move the unit across your face until you've covered it all. The device uses aluminum oxide crystals that wear away the upper layers of your skin; it's basically like a vacuum that sucks up the dull, dead skin and leaves a smooth, fresh  surface!

Below are pictures of before and after I'd completed a treatment. This was from my third treatment, so I had already used the device twice. As you can tell, my skin becomes slightly pink after the treatment. Which, I will say, freaked me out just slightly the first time I used the PMD. 

 

The first picture above is me after two uses of the PMD device and all makeup and products washed off my face. After just two uses I can already see a slight improvement in my complexion. I wish I had snapped a photo prior to all treatments, because I know we'd see an improved difference.

My Thoughts:

My favorite thing about the device is the way my face feels after the treatment. As far as texture, results are immediate (and incredible). I look forward to feeling my face after using this device. It's amazingly smooth, soft, and refreshed.

PMD does stress that it's not only the device that improves your skin - you have to follow up with a good serum and moisturizer when you're done, as well as each day/night up until the next use. Basically, the device  provides a cleaner and more appropriate surface for your serums and moisturizers to do their best.

For more information read exactly how the microdermabrasion works and what it does. I think this device added into my routine has definitely improved the texture and complexion of my skin. Feeling confident in how you look matters; I believe this device has helped me with that already! I look forward to continuing to use the product on my face and continuing to see results! I love it!

If you're someone who also suffers from acne scars, sun spots, or age spots/wrinkles, I think a PMD device is something you should consider incorporating into your skin care regimen. 

Daily Threads: A New Cowl

scarf: c/o Keeping It Chic

Wearing a scarf is one of my favorite things to do during these fall and winter months. They not only keep you warm, but they can do so much for an outfit - they can pull it together, stand out as the main focus, or just add that extra pop of color. The sweet Chelsea of Keeping It Chic hand-made and sent me this gorgeous cowl! The color is amazing and the knitting detail is even better. It's warm, soft, and perfect for these upcoming months. 

If you'd like your own knitted cowl or scarf (or like to give one as a gift!), Chelsea is offering 10% off  until the end of the year - just use code dwellingandtelling at check out! 

Daily Threads: A New Bag

top, similar skirt, similar necklace, bag c/o handbag heaven

Handbag Heaven sent me this gorgeous Nola Top Handle Bag. The bag is the perfect size for holding your wallet, phone, planner, and whatever else you carry around - a book, mini makeup bag, or maybe a water bottle? Hey, I'm not judging. I love the top handle because it's perfect for holding or throwing over your arm. This particular bag was also recently featured on the April 2011 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine. If you are in need of a new handbag (and let's be honest, who's not?) definitely check out Handbag Heaven and all their bags! They offer such a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors at affordable prices! I'm already eyeing' about five other bags!

Be sure to enter SUMMER11 at check out for 15% off!

Daily Threads: Black and White

top: thrifted, pants: gap, shoes & purse: steve madden, headband: c/o sproos

The sweet Melissa over at Sproos sent me a set of headbands to try out. Let me start out by saying I'm not typically the headband wearing kinda gal. In general, headbands are too tight on my head and within a couple seconds of wearing them I have to pull them off. They usually give me headaches and/or an uncomfortable, tight feeling I just can't deal with.

It was a welcomed surprise to put on this headband and not have to yank it off immediately! It was not too tight and I forgot it was there - I could not be happier! Let's be honest, headbands can be super chic and super adorable and I hated not being able to wear them when I want. This set offers the same headband in five different colors and I'm so excited to have them and wear them!

Check out her site for additional headbands, bow clips, and flower clips! Melissa if offereing you all 10% off her items! Just enter Linley10 at checkout and you're good to go! Thanks, Melissa!

Also, congratulations to Jessica for winning the JCP $50 giftcard giveaway! 

Daily Threads: Kenya Scarf

dress: bb dakota, scarf: c/o style rev, bag & belt: target, shoes: c/o jcpenney

Sure it's the middle of summer and I'm wearing a scarf, but it's been about 5-10 degrees cooler with less humidity the past couple of days, so don't worry about it. Moving on, the sweet people over at Style Rev sent me this gorgeous, light-weight scarf. I love the safari print and color combo. The print makes it appropriate for summer and the dark colors help me carry this into fall. They've recently added a few new printed scarves and I think I may need a couple more in my life! Have I ever mentioned my addiction to scarves? Ehh, it's bad. Maybe one day I'll share all of them with you.

On a different note, I thought I wore my scarf pretty well until Maeby walked out of our room with her own take on wearing the scarf. 

Linley: 0 Maeby: 1

Review: HANAair Professional Hair Dryer

Last month I was sent a HANAair Professional Hair Dryer from Misikko to use and review! It was really a blessing because my current hair dryer has been carrying out a long, slow, and painful death. Seriously, I've had it for years and it has started sparking a little - scary, but I dealt with it - but now I don't have to!

When I received my hair dryer, it was a pleasant surprise to open the package and find tons of goodies from Misikko! Some of my goodies included a flat iron mat, ceramic round brush, Paul Mitchell shampoo and conditioner, and a hair dryer bag for storage and travel - which is a fabulous bag to have!

After digging through the goodies and finding the dryer box, I couldn't wait to pull the actual dryer out. It's medium sized, a decent weight, and has a sleek, black design. One of the most fabulous features is the extra-long power cord. You guys, this cord is over 10 feet long - I measured. Having a long power cord is quite the luxury. Other features of this dryer include two fan speeds, three heat settings, and a cold shot button. It's also shaped for easy handling and the motor is a lot quieter than my previous dryer.

This particular hair dryer has ion technology which conditions hair and reduces static electricity (which, let's be honest, isn'ts flattering for anyone). This dryer also is designed to promote healthy hair and provide antibacterial protection. Bottom line, not all hair dryers are created equally! I'm not in the hair care business, but I think it's safe to say that this hair dryer is top-shelf selection. 

Before providing a review I really wanted to use the dryer a few times and a couple different ways. Most times, I throw my head upside down and just dry; other times I use a round brush. It didn't matter how I used the dryer, my hair always felt soft and dried quickly - a double whammy! I love this thing. 

 

I also wanted to mention that a sample size of the HANA shine Shield Heat Protector was in my box and it's my new favorite hair product. Seriously, get this stuff. It smells amazing and makes my hair incredibly soft. I can't stop touching it after it's dry. 

Misikko is offering you all 10% off your purchase - just enter HAHA10 at check-out! So head over to their site and check out their ion hair dryers, their selection of best flat irons, and the rest of the flat irons!