‘Orange is the New Black’ Star, Dasha Polanco At ECRU NY Event: Get the Look

“Orange is the New Black” star, Dasha Polanco attended the ECRU NY event over the weekend and got a Festive Fishtail Updo. The stylish star looked chic in this easy to do … do and ECRU NY has shared how to get the look for the holiday season, which can be accomplished in 15 minutes flat!

Festive Holiday Loose Fishtail Updo:

1. Simply section off hair into two parts, gathering top of the side of hair, gather into a ponytail
2. Section off the two other bottom sections of your hair into ponytails, secure with an elastic 
3. Begin braiding sectioned off pieces into fishtail braid. Use ECRU Silk Texturizing Balm to keep hair in place 
4. Then take top section and begin a third fishtail braid 
5. Make all three sections into fishtails, then pull apart braid, outer edges to make look “messy and rustic” do this to every braid. 
6. Finally spray with ECRU Sunlight Styling Spray Max and pin all three braids on top of hair with bobby pins 
7. To finish leave top of hair on head loose, and adding the pouf by doing a French braided finish (to do this cross over each side -left to right- to make a proper pouf!) and you are done!

ECRU New York products are available online at ECRU NY and upscale locations around the globe!

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ECRU New York New Travel Mini’s Giveaway

Although Summer 2014 has come and gone, and we’re now into the amazing fall season, that is not necessarily an end to vacation time. More and more of us are opting to take our vacations during the fall and winter seasons in conjunction with the holidays. With this knowledge, ECRU New York has curated a line of the ultimate hair necessities … all of which are perfect for travel! Before we get to the giveaway, let’s take a look at what ECRU has created in its Travel Mini’s Collection.

Acacia Protein Shampoo and Conditioner (2 oz - $9 ea.) – This travel-ready duo are the only shampoo and conditioner with patented Acacia Protein Collagen and Silk Proteins.  Acacia Protein Shampoo is formulated with Acacia Collagen, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Wheat Protein, Panthenol, and Sunflower Extract; Acacia Protein Conditioner is formulated with Wheat Amino Acids, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Wheat Protein, and Safflower Seed Oil offering moisture, strength and nutrients into the most damaged strands, leaving hair smooth, shiny and supremely moisturized. Acacia Protein Shampoo and Conditioner are free of parabens, sulfates and are color safe.

Luxe Treatment Shampoo (2 oz - $8) – A luxurious, nutrient rich cleanser that bathes hair in moisture as it cleans and hydrates. High potency vitamins and nutrients combined with essential amino acids promote healthy hair and scalp. Antioxidants, soybean lipids and gardenia flower extract balance moisture retention, increase elasticity and protect hair from chemical and thermal abuse. Luxe Treatment Shampoo is free of parabens, sulfates and is color safe.

Sea Clean Shampoo (2 oz - $7.50) - Fresh, clean, rich lather gently cleanses the hair and scalp. Marine botanicals and algae extracts combined with silk and wheat proteins smooth and hydrate the hair while providing protection against split ends. Sea Clean Shampoo is free of parabens, sulfates and is color safe.

Protective Silk Conditioner (2 oz - $8) - A 60 second treatment that immediately improves the texture and appearance of all hair types. Panthenol, sunflower oil and hydrolyzed wheat proteins thicken and repair dry, damaged hair while healing and protecting the scalp. Protective Silk Conditioner is free of parabens, sulfates and is color safe.

Sunlight Finishing Spray MAX (2 oz - $10) – This fast drying finishing spray offers maximum hold, so no worries about arriving at your destination with “bad” hair. Sunlight Finishing Spray MAX helps hair retain moisture while protecting against the detrimental effects of sunlight and UV exposure. *TME Must-Have!

Of course you can’t forget a good styling tool while you’re on the go, so check out the ECRU Travel Hair Dryer. So, are you ready for our ECRU New York Travel Mini’s giveaway?

Two (2) lucky readers will receive the following: One (1) Acacia Protein Shampoo and Conditioner, One (1) Luxe Treatment Shampoo, One (1) Sea Clean Shampoo, One (1) Protective Silk Conditioner, and One (1) Sunlight Finishing Spray MAX - Valued at over $42.00!

To enter:

1. Email TMEGiveaway@gmail.com with the Subject Line: ECRU New York Travel Mini’s Giveaway!
2. Don’t forget to include your name and address!
3. The deadline to enter is Friday, October 10, 2014 at 11:59PM (ET) and for complete terms and conditions, visit TME’s Giveaway Page!

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ECRU New York Acacia Protein BB Cream Review

ECRU New York introduced a line of hair care products, late in 2013, infused with Acacia Protein Collagen and Silk Proteins, one product being ECRU New York Acacia Protein BB Cream. BB Cream for hair? Being ever the skeptic, I simply rolled my eyes at yet another catch-phrase product. After all, what was this “Acacia Collagen” and what was so awe-inspiring about using it on my hair?

Putting my investigator’s cap, I read up on Acacia Collagen. I found out that Acacia Collagen is an extract from the Acacia Seyal tree, which is native to Africa. Apparently this botanical ingredient is used in high-grade anti-aging skincare products due to its moisture retentive properties.

ECRU is utilizing this extract, versus animal proteins, in the brand’s patented Acacia Protein Collagen Hair Care line as to offer the same moisture retention and damage prevention as high-end skincare products. As I’ve previously written, ECRU New York is an eco-friendly brand, which does not test on animals and is committed to sustainability. So, catch phrase aside I tested out ECRU New York Acacia Protein BB Cream.

What did ECRU New York Acacia Protein BB Cream ($30) do for my hair? Well, first off this is a multi-purpose product (LOVE) that serves as a leave-in conditioner, heat protectent and styling product! A dime-sized amount of product was plenty for my long hair (More LOVE).

Acacia Protein BB Cream didn’t weigh my hair down, allowed for quick styling when taking my naturally curly hair to straight, and left my hair in amazing condition. For those that have damaged hair, Acacia Protein BB Cream is must-have styling product and for those that don’t it’s a great preventative.

ECRU New York Acacia Protein Collection includes:

Acacia Protein Shampoo ($25)

Acacia Protein Conditioner ($25)

Acacia BB Cream ($30)

Acacia Protein Masque ($25)

Acacia Protein Oil ($30)

ECRU New York Acacia Protein BB Cream and the entire Acacia Protein Collection can be found online at ECRU and select retail locations globally!

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ECRU Travel Hair Dryer | Review

When a company or brand commits to responsible practices, this is the first thing that The Makeup Examiner likes to highlight. ECRU NewYork’s products are eco-friendly, they are not tested on animals and all of its packaging is recyclable. Of course, in this review we’re covering ECRU’s Travel Hair Dryer for which one is unlikely to throw in the recycle bin. That aside, the ECRU Travel Hair Dryer is packaged in recyclable cardboard and includes a bonus of full-sized Silk Nectar Serum that you can toss in the recycling bin after you’ve used every last drop.

So, what sets the ECRU Travel Hair Dryer apart from other travel dryers? Admittedly I’m a reformed over-packer. Yep, I was once known to travel with … uh … a few pieces of luggage, but impromptu business trips or weekend getaways don’t necessarily allow for a lot of time to pack. The ECRU Travel Hair Dryer is a compact, hitting the objective of a packable dryer for travel, yet powerful so that you don’t have to comprise performance. The dryer utilizes patented Japanese Ion Technology for fast, frizz-free drying. And if the Farmer’s Almanac is correct, we’re in for a hair-hating-humid summer.

The ECRU Travel Hair Dryer ($108) is a rather interesting technologically advanced hair dryer that dries hair from the inside out, sealing in moisture for a smooth and shiny style. You’ll probably find that you’ll use the Ecru at home because it’s that good of a dryer. My belief is that there are absolutely items that you can “skimp” on … stylers are not one of them, most especially if you intend to look good while traveling!

ECRU Travel Hair Dryer Specs:

• Patented Japanese Ion Technology - Dries hair from the inside out to infuse it with moisture, restoring luster and reducing frizz and flyaways
• Far Infrared Technology - Dries hair faster
• Special Ion Infused Nozzle - Releases heat vacuum to prevent damage to hair
• Dual Voltage - Adjust drying power to meet European and American requirements
• Free full-size Silk Nectar Serum ($32.50) - For weightless silky, smooth style

TME found the ECRU Travel Hair Dryer to offer everything that one needs in a travel styler and the high quality places this item on The Makeup Examiner’s Seasonal Beauty Must-Haves list. The ECRU Travel Hair Dryer and ECRU New York products can be purchased online at ECRU and select retail locations globally!

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