I Try Hundreds of Beauty Products Every Year — These Are the 8 Best I've Found In the Last 12 Months

I have what may be considered a sliiiight problem when it comes to beauty products. Namely, that I like to try new ones. A lot. I mean, A LOT. As a beauty writer, I try hundreds of beauty products every year — and, yes, I'm being serious. My neighbors kind of can't believe the amount of packages showing up at my door every day. (This isn't a #humblebrag, I swear.) And while many of those products are good, only a few are truly GREAT. We're talking epic, can't live without them, don't know how my beauty routine survived before them kind of products. Not all of the ones in this list are new, but they are new to me. Keep reading for the 8 best beauty products I've tried in the past 12 months.

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Going Glam ... Keratin Complex GraffitiGlam™, That Is! My Shocking Pink Hair with Hairstylist Jesse German

I change my hair color at least once a year. And, usually, that means I go for a bright, shocking pink! So when the time came this year, I called upon my amazing hairstylist, Jesse German of the Martinez-Samuel Salon, to take me as bright as humanly possible.

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Salon and Spa Directory: The Keratin Complex KCMAX Maximum Keratin Smoothing System with Hairstylist Jesse German

So, here's the thing. I tried a smoothing treatment on my hair about 10 years ago, and it DID. NOT. WORK. My hair stayed exactly the same as it had been pre-treatment -- big, frizzy, curly, not shiny or manageable, the works. You name it, that treatment did not help it. So, as I'm sure you might assume, I was pretty wary of trying another one, even all these years later with the advances in keratin treatments and a stylist as amazing as Jesse German from the Martinez-Samuel Salon. But Jesse convinced me that it was time to try it again -- and so, two weeks ago, we embarked on a new keratin journey with the Keratin Complex KCMAX Maximum Keratin Smoothing System.

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On Wednesdays We Wear Pink: My Current Top 8 Pink Beauty Routine and Product Favorites

It's been a long time since I did a post for On Wednesdays We Wear Pink -- and I can't believe that, honestly, since almost every product I use IS pink! I was looking around my bathroom this week and realized it's about 85 percent pink products. I shouldn't be surprised, really, since I've been such a pink fan for such a long time. So, without further adieu, here's the rundown on my current pink beauty routine and product favorites!

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Salon and Spa Directory: Glamsquad

A few years ago, I had my scalp analyzed. And I found out that while my scalp is in pretty good shape -- no dandruff, oiliness or dryness -- I have a lot of hair. And I mean A LOT. We're talking three hairs in every follicle. And when you have this much hair, the last thing you want to do is give yourself a blowout. That's where Glamsquad comes in. Not only do they do the most amazing blowouts EVER, they come right to your doorstep to do it!

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Hairstylist Wendy Vario

You know that feeling when you find your hair soul mate? That's how it was when I discovered Wendy Vario. During the year and a half I spent in Pittsburgh, I made Wendy WORK. We went red, we went blonde, we went brunette -- we ran the gamut, all while she kept my hair looking and feeling CRAZY healthy. (It's my own fault that it broke off, since I cheated on her once with a different stylist and bleached my hair against Wendy's wishes. Oops.) In any case, Wendy is super talented and the nicest person to boot! I always loved visiting her at Studio Booth, not only because I knew my hair would look incredible, but because hanging out with her was just such a treat. Read on to find out how she first started getting involved in beauty, the hairspray she can't live without and so much more. (And get a glimpse of alllll the different colors she created for me, too!)

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Hairstylist Jamie Cramer

Are you a fan of bold haircolors? Mermaid, unicorn, all around the best kind of crazy? Well, when I discovered hairstylist Jamie Cramer through Pulp Riot's Instagram, I was instantly hooked -- because she creates unbelievably gorgeous color like no other. From teal to pink, fiery red to multitudes of bright shades, Jamie's talent for color truly knows no bounds. (And I for one really like her name!) Read on to find out how she gets her inspiration, the shampoo she can't live without and so much more.

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Hairstylist Serah Shirley

Unicorn hair. It's all the rage, right? Well, in the case of hairstylist Serah Shirley, it's not something one can just covet -- it's something you can have and totally ROCK. I discovered Serah through Pulp Riot's Instagram and all I can say about her is this. I. AM. OBSESSED. (And low key planning a trip to Utah so I can have her create a unique haircolor all my own!) I simply had to talk to Serah about how she gets her inspiration and why she does what she does. Read on to find out what led her to become a hairstylist, how she creates these incredible colors, the shampoo she recommends to keep your color vibrant and so much more. (Oh, and for some INSANELY incredible pics of her work, too.)

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Even Beauty Routines Get the Blues: My Current One Does, Anyway (in the Absolute Best Way)

As Type A as I am -- and I admit, I'm pretty Type A -- I somehow never transfer this to my beauty routine. I think it's because I'm constantly adding new products into the rotation with tried and true faves, so there isn't necessarily a rhyme or reason to what products I'm using. I'm always so drawn to people's Instagram posts featuring products of specific colors, but I just don't seem to BE one of those people.

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On Wednesdays We Wear Pink: My New Pretty in Pink Hair, Thanks to Pulp Riot Hair Color in Cupid!

I've been thinking about dyeing my hair pink for years. Seriously, YEARS. I've been wanting to do it since I was about 30 -- and I'm now 37. Different hairstylists over the years have told me they were wary of it because it might ruin my hair, but to be honest, my hair is already fairly fried at this point. So, FINALLY, I convinced my current hairstylist (who's also my awesome cousin) to do it -- and voila! Enter my Pretty in Pink hair, thanks to my fabulous cousin Erin Sanders and Pulp Riot Hair Color in Cupid!

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What a Diva: Divatress Lace Front Wigs

This is a sponsored post by Divatress. All opinions are mine.

Want a way to change up your look in a flash? Well, why not try a wig? It's the absolute best way to try new styles, colors, trends, you name it ... and it's the healthiest option for your hair, since you don't have to actually do anything to it. Enter Divatress Lace Front Wigs.

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On Wednesdays We Wear Pink: Rock Your Hair Leave-In Conditioner Weightless Detangler

Have you ever had an impulse purchase turn out to be one of the best purchases you actually ever made? Well, in the case of Rock Your Hair Leave-In Conditioner Weightless Detangler, I sure have.

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Hold Everything: Drybar Money Maker Flexible Hold Hairspray

I have a confession to make. I don't typically use hairspray. There, I said it. I just really hate the crunchiness it creates and the fact that usually I don't even feel like it holds my style in place. But you know what? Drybar Money Maker Flexible Hold Hairspray has changed all that.

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Perfectly Imperfect: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

Let's face it. Sometimes it's "wash your hair day" and you JUST. CAN'T. FACE. IT. It's okay. We've all been there. And that's where Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo comes into play. Because with this baby by your side, nobody needs to know what's really going on with your hair.

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Flashback Friday: Recreating The 1980s and 1990s-Inspired Segmented Ponytail with Invisibobble Traceless Hair Rings

I don't know about you, but I rocked the segmented ponytail all throughout the 1980s and 1990s. This was a fun, easy hairstyle that even I -- who, despite my many years as a beauty blogger, still can't do much more than flat iron or use an idiot-proof curling wand -- was able to master at a very early age.

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Believe in Miracles: It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product

I'm not sure why I remained skeptical of It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product for so long -- although it could have something to do with the fact that the name professed to work miracles, so I wondered how that could possibly be true. Well, witness me having a complete change of heart, because this product seriously delivers on its promise.

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Pitch Perfect: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo and Conditioner

Living Proof is one of those brands that I'd seen forever but never tried. Honestly, I thought I'd like them but wasn't rushing to add them to my arsenal. But when the opportunity came along to test out Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Shampoo and Conditioner, how could I say no?

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Throwback Thursday: My Experience with Feathered Hair (And How it Shaped My Future)

So the late 80s and early 90s definitely saw some interesting hairstyles. I took to one in particular like a fish takes to water. I speak, of course, of feathered hair.

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10 Problems Only Girls with Thick Hair Understand

Managing this mane? It proves to be a challenge.

Do you have thick hair? Well, I do ... and I'm here to tell you it is NOT easy to deal with. These are just 10 of the problems I encounter on a daily basis.

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Get Healthy, Beautiful Hair with CLEAR SCALP & HAIR Shampoo and Conditioner

In case you weren't aware, I'm fairly obsessed with beautiful, healthy hair. I'm constantly trying out products that will make my hair look and feel as perfect as it possibly can. And my recent obsession? CLEAR SCALP & HAIR™ Intense Hydration Nourishing Shampoo and Nourishing Daily Conditioner.

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