Danielle's Thought Bubble

I pride myself on being able to refresh and revive my hair into a presentable style from any starting point, even if that's a messy bed-head or third day curls. After lots of experimentation over the years, I've discovered how to work with my hair to let it do it's thing and also get it how I want. I've found that simplicity is key, so I nailed it down to an easy three minute haircare routine for each morning or when my locks need a pick-me-up. Here are my never-fail steps to zhoosh up my curls for results like these... Step 1: Re-Wet Water is your hair's best friend. Not only does it majorly reduce frizz, but it also helps your hair follicles absorb product better. I begin by putting my hands under the sink and gently gliding scoops of water on top of my hair. You're not combing , just placing  the water throughout your head. I repeat this about five or six times until my hair is damp, but not soaking wet. A spray bottle can work for this step as well.   Step 2...

I love YouTube. It has simultaneously acted as an entertainment medium, educational resource, and outlet for connection since I was a tween, and I still keep up with my subscriptions today. I specifically flock to beauty channels about hair, skin, and makeup, and I'm so excited to share about some of the creators I've come to know and love. The world of "beauty gurus" and "beauty vloggers" is extensive, but I've narrowed it down to five of my favorite channels. RachhLoves Rachel is just a joy to watch. She posts a range of videos -- viral beauty hacks, the best of drugstore and high-end makeup, all-day wear tests, and new products launches -- all with a sweet and silly attitude. She posts new videos every Thursday and Sunday and uses a lot of fun editing techniques. She often applies makeup and chats right to the camera, so it feels like she's right along with you. Check out one of her videos below to get a feel for her style. Penny Tovar Penny is my...

I grew up as a theatre kid, singing and dancing my way through middle and high school. There are so many exciting elements to performing, from telling a story and making music, to taking on a new persona and donning interesting costumes and makeup. When you're on stage, there's often no such thing as too much  makeup. The stage lights can easily wash you out, so working with a heavier hand to ensure your features are highlighted is perfectly acceptable. I have a lot of fun doing makeup for the stage and find that it is a great way to be bold and change up your look. You are transforming into a new character, after all.  Here is my typical makeup routine for basic stage makeup. Every show is a bit different, but this can act as a good starting point. FOUNDATION First is foundation. Choose a shade that matches your skin color or one shade darker, and apply it evenly to the face using your fingers or a brush. I like to start from the center of the face and work outwards. Make sur...

It's springtime, which means it's time to tuck away the jackets and boots and bring out the pastels, floral prints, and skirts. There's something so empowering about wearing clothes that reflect your personality and the environment around you, and finding new pieces for your wardrobe or simply reimagining  current pieces can be a lot of fun. Playing with fashion brings about a sense of renewal -- just like after a spring rainfall. Follow along for some of my favorite looks for this time of year. A trend throughout my wardrobe is the color  green .  Green is associated with growth, energy, and prosperity, which could be why it calls out to me. Sage green, specifically, fits really well with my complexion. I find that a minimalistic pattern pairs nicely, but the color can also hold its own.  💚 It's also fun to play with different kinds of fabric like silk, tulle, or velvet. While I usually associate velvet with wintertime, a bright color can transform it for spri...

Dermalogica is the brand that started my commitment to skincare. I've always been mindful of my skin, but I realized that the products and ingredients you put on your face really make a difference in the short and long term. At the beginning of 2020, I decided I was ready to up my skincare game, so I purchased a trial set from Dermalogica with a cleanser, exfoliant, moisturizer, and eye cream. I have to say, I am impressed with the quality of their products. They are packaged simply and cleanly -- and that's just how their products perform. Dermalogica has been around since 1986 and is a popular choice among skin therapists and aestheticians. Their products are also cruelty-free, gluten-free, and paraben-free and use sustainable packaging. Let me tell you about the Dermalogica  Special Cleansing Gel . This cleanser has a mild lather and does a nice job refreshing and soothing the skin. I rank it four out of five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ because I believe it has improved and maintained my ski...