• Super-flexible bristles work with the hair, not against it
• Lightweight for less fatigue
• Easy grip sides for better control
• Dual size design for small or medium hands
To achieve this wavy look, I let my hair air dry, brushing it with the Tangle Fix every so often to smooth it down. I dried smooth and wavy and very pretty with the help of the Tangle Fix!
I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster. Influenster is a great site where you can receive great products to test and review. Let me know if you would like to join in the comments with your email address and I will send you an invite!
Hot enough for you yet? Summer is going strong! I have put together a collection of products from makeup, to hair care to fragrance to get you through the last month of Summer.
They are:
BSB Culminé Glow & Go Tinted Moisturizing Sunscreen
For flawless-looking skin, the anti-aging BSB Culminé Glow & Go Tinted Moisturizing Sunscreen ($45 USD) with daytime sun protection delivers the whole package: SPF protection, superior hydration, a hint of tint for a beautiful glow while being sheer enough to wear under makeup. Oxybenzone, Titanium Dioxide and Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate protect the skin from sun damage by absorbing UV rays while the anti-oxidant blend reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration.
What I think: I really like this tinted sunscreen. It is a perfect product to apply and go. It matched my skintone and gave me a subtle glow. I am going to use this as my foundation for the rest of the summer!
Rimmel London Wake Me Up Instant Radiance Shimmer Touch
Follow foundation by applying Rimmel London Wake Me Up Instant Radiance Shimmer Touch ($4.99) to the apples of your cheeks. This lightweight, ultra blendable mousse formula gives an instant touch of radiance and illuminates the skin giving it a healthy summer glow.
What I think: I have tried this in Radiant Rose. So pretty. It is a highlighter and blush in one.
Rimmel London ScandalEyes Mascara
Rimmel London ScandalEyes Mascara($6.99),for achieve beautiful, voluptuous lashes! For lashes so big, it’s almost criminal! Scandalous false lash volume. MaxDensity Brush: 50% larger*. Captures & plumps every lash. Supersize formula with 3x collagen + 3x keratin.
What I think: This is an affordable mascara that gives huge volume. It’s like a lip plumper for your lashes.
Rimmel products are avaialbe at mass market retailers near you.
Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencils
Lipstick Queen’s Chinatown Glossy Pencils ($20 each)The three new shades are pictured below from left to right:
Cameo – a soft nude
Catalina – a flirty, fun yet subtle pink
Pink Bluff – an earthy nude pink
What I think: I love these soft colors! I have tried this pencil before in a burgundy, but I love lighter nudes and pinks more and I love all three of these colors. I think they will work well for fall, too. Especially the nude. Wear it with a smudgy black eyeliner on eyes. Cool!
The new shades are now available for purchase at Space NK and ULTA stores nationwide, as well as on lipstickqueen.com.
Lancome Vernis in Love in Aqua Blue
Lancome Vernis in Love in Aqua Blue ($15 USD) Inspired by the new trendy Rouge In Love lip collection, Vernis in Love is a high potency nail lacquer perfectly themed to compliment every woman’s mood and style. With ultimate brilliance, intense color, and a mistake-free application, your nails will love the lasting shine and pop of color that stays put for days.
What I think: This blue is perfect for the end of summer. I am planning to wear beautiful blues all month. It reminds me of water and that we need to have as much summer fun as possible!
Chlorine, sun and frizz oh my! If you’re like most women, summertime stress is largely due to your hair. Vein, but true. Elegantly scented and made with oriental herbal extracts, Sensai by Kanebo’s Intensive Hair Mask ($57 USD) offers extra care and repair while giving your locks a smooth shine.
What I think: Deep moisture treatments are a must for summer hair repair. This one smells fantastic and leaves hair so soft!
Although this is the last month of summer, with Lavanila’s Vanilla Summer you’ll feel like you’re on vacation all fall and winter! The scent will evoke the calm, soft breeze of the ocean; allowing you to feel the sand beneath your toes every time you spritz.
Vanilla Summer is available in:
The Healthy Fragrance ($58): This all-natural Eau de Parfum is hand crafted using the highest quality essential oils and vitamin-rich botanicals from all over the world. Completely free of chemically laden alcohol, petrochemicals and phthalates, this body beneficial fragrance is uniquely packed with a healthy dose of anti-oxidants.
The Healthy Roller-Ball ($19): Housed in a slim, spill-proof bottle, this tote-able scent lets you dab on Vanilla Summer whenever you feel the need to escape to your own private oasis.
What I Think: This may be my favorite Lavanila scent yet! It is soft and pretty, perfect for all year long!
Summer is going strong! Is your beauty routine holding up? Are you keeping safe in the sun and the elements?
Summer beauty doesn’t have to be complicated. A few great hair, skin and sun care products can really help get you through this hot season.
Unite Expanda Dust Volumizing Powder
UNITE Hair Expanda Dust ($26.25) — It’s magic! With just a puff you can get more volume and texture than you’ve ever imagined! You’ll never go flat again!
Key Ingredients:
Kaolin: Adds texture and hold
Potato Starch: Thickens and adds volume
Tapioca Starch: Thickens and adds volume
Corn Starch: Adds body and hold
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: Adds moisture and soothes hair and scalp
FOR BEST RESULTS: Lightly sprinkle on to roots for volume. Sprinkle throughout for added texture. For a sleek ponytail, apply to roots to give your pony some volume. Next, sweep hair into a ponytail using a paddle brush to smooth the sides and leaving the top voluminous. Finish by securing with a ponytail holder.
What I think: This works well with my flat hair. And the ponytail tip above is really cute! Purchase at shop.unitehair.com.
SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus Picaridin
SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus Picaridin ($14-$16): Protect your family when mosquitoes are more active – dawn and dusk – with this strong, dependable insect repellent. These DEET-free formulas provide long-lasting protection against deer ticks and mosquitoes. Repels deer ticks that may transmit Lyme Disease. Repels mosquitoes that may transmit West Nile Virus. Bug Guard Plus Picaridin is available as an Aerosol Spray, Pump Spray, or Towelettes, and just like our other favorite formula, the pump spray will come in bonus and travel sizes and the towelettes will now be available in a 16 pack.
What I think: I keep the pump spray of this by my back door so when my family goes into our buggy back yard, we are protected. It works really well and smells nice, too!
Coppertone Oil Free Faces
Coppertone Oil Free Faces in SPF 15, 30 and 50+ ($10.99 USD) Provides powerful protection designed specifically for your delicate skin. This oil-free lotion contains a special blend of anti-oxidants Vitamins A and E, skin conditioners and natural hydrating elements to help smooth and moisturize your skin. This lightweight lotion is non-greasy and it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. And it’s fragrance free and non-irritating. And, because it’s from the Coppertone brand you can be sure you’re getting all the protection you need. Specially formulated with Parsol® 1789, Coppertone® Oil Free Faces Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion helps prevent the premature appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by providing advanced broad-spectrum protection form the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. Dermatologist tested. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, water resistant.
Sun Alert: The sun causes skin damage. Over the years, regular use of effective sunscreens like Coppertone® Oil Free Faces Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30 may reduce the risk of skin damage, some types of skin cancer and other harmful effects due to the sun.
What I think: I try to use sunscreen on my face every day. The fact that this is oil free is perfect for me because sunscreen can easily clog my pores. I also love the anti-oxidants and skin care benefits that you can get with such and affordable product.
Available at mass market retailers near you.
b-leve haircare
From the b-leve website: We b•lēve ingredients like olive, white tea & cactus let you shine in everything you do. Cationic chemistry specifically targets damaged areas along the hair shaft and at the ends without the use of high levels of silicone.
I tested the b-hydrated Shampoo and Conditioner. Increases moisture, shine & manageability. Natural extracts of cactus + kelp + white tea. Why b•lēve? b-hydrated shampoo and conditioner has a rich and fortified formulation that contains natural extracts of cactus, kelp and white tea. Cationic chemistry, the leading technology in performance hair care, specifically targets damaged areas along the hair shaft and at the ends. This advanced precision formula does not require the use of high levels of silicone. Contains cactus extract – for moisturizing damage repair. Contains kelp extract – for shine and manageability. Contains white tea extract – for gloss, strength & long lasting shine. Paraben-free. Antioxidant & vitamin rich. No animal testing. Made in Canada.
What I think: I love the scent of these products. Mostly, though, I love how soft and shiny they leave my hair after use.
Available at www.b-leve.com and fine grocers nationwide.
eos’ new Basket of Fruit Smooth Sphere Lip Balm Pack
eos’ new Basket of Fruit Smooth Sphere Lip Balm Pack ($10.99 USD) — The Lip balm that is good enough to eat is now in this basket of four! The eos new fruit inspired lip balm collection features: Limited Edition Fresh Watermelon and our ever popular Strawberry Sorbet, Summer Fruit and Pomegranate Raspberry Smooth Sphere Lip Balms. This colorful collection is the perfection addition to your fall essentials. The soft-touch, ergonomic, recyclable packaging is easy to find in even the largest of bags!
What I think: I have loved eos lip balms since they came out! This pack is affordable and the flavors are yummy! I split the pack with my daughters. Every one had a favorite. Mine is Pomegranate Raspberry!
Beachy hair is simple to achieve with a few great products! Have you tried a sea salt spray for waves? Or a healthy soy based hair spray? How about a brush that you can use when your hair is wet? all of these items below can help achieve the perfect summer ‘do for you!
While we can’t always skip town and venture to the beach, we can achieve sought after tousled beach hair, thanks to Ouidad’s Wave Create Collection. With the launch of Ouidad’s Wave Create Sea Spray and Texture Taffy, achieving touchable, gorgeous waves is at your fingertips. Ideal for any hair type – including straight hair, this collection brings to life coveted “day at the beach” waves.
Ouidad Wave Create Sea Spray
Ouidad Wave Create Sea Spray ($23 USD) — Wave Create Sea Spray gives hair that windswept, sexy and flirtatious look you love after a day at the beach. Our exclusive wave-making complex of natural seawater and mineral-rich sea salt crystals create tousled texture while plant-derived humectants lock in waves. Vitamin-rich seaweed and algae extracts nourish the hair so it’s super hydrated – never crunchy or stiff.
Ideal for straight hair that has slight texture, as well as curly hair
An exclusive wave making complex of natural seawater and mineral rich sea salt crystals creates a tousled texture
Algae extracts condition and help maintain elasticity; rich in B12 amino acids that deeply nourish
Giant kelp seaweed extract includes a high content of vitamins and minerals to nourish curls; adds superior shine
Panthenol and Vitamin B5 act as a penetrating moisturizer
What I think: This is great for subtle waves — even in straight hair!. I love to spray it on my damp hair and scrunch it up. When it dries, I have cute waves! A little hair oil tames the frizzies and I’m ready to go!
Ouidad Wave Create Testure Taffy
Ouidad Wave Create Texture Taffy ($23 USD) — Wave Create Texture Taffy is a stretchy styling cream that creates playful, tousled texture for a look that’s undone and sexy. Our taffy-like formula with a Marine Complex – high in vitamins and minerals – allows you to grip and mold hair while keeping it nourished and soft. This flexible, gummy styler creates long-lasting waves that dry to a matte finish without a trace of sticky residue. Whether you want summer-inspired waves or a playful, unkempt style your newly found texture will be a look that’s natural, healthy and irresistible
Ideal for wavy, even straight hair, that desires a sexy, tousled look
Marine Complex, high in vitamins and minerals, condition and add softness and shine
Giant kelp seaweed extract includes a high content of vitamins and minerals to nourish curls and add shine
Algae Extract acts as a moisturizer that leaves hair supple and shiny
Milk Thistle extract acts as a botanical extract rich in antioxidants to moisturize
What I think: To really go wave crazy, I add this to my hair after the Sea Spray. I add just a little and scrunch it into my hair. It really gives me a cool, beachy wave!
The Ouidad Wave Create™ Collectionis available at Ouidad.com.
UNITE Beach Day
UNITE Beach Day ($24.95 USD) — Wanting those beachy, full locks without trying too hard? Beach Day will give you that feeling in minutes. Full, tousled and very sexy. A hybrid of styling and finishing in one… it’s effortless!
FOR BEST RESULTS:
Mist 6 to 8 inches away into damp or dry hair. Scrunch with
hands. Air-dry or diffuse. Spray on roots for an added lift.
-Enhances waves
-Creates ‘lived-in’ texture
-Thickens hair
-Creates Volume
-Used in damp or dry hair
-A hybrid of Styling and Finishing in one
What I think: This spray gives a sexy, tousled wave. Something I like to do is apply it to my hair and braid it, then when it is almost dry, I take it out of the braid and scrunch it up. Great waves abound!
Healthy Hair Soy Touchable Weightless Hairspray ($17.95 USD) — Healthy Hair Soy Touchable Weightless Hairspray is a feather light hairspray that is made with anti-frizz technology. It helps to supply moisture and hydration to nourish and repair hair while offering UV and heat protection.
What I think: This is a light hair spray that creates moveable styles. I love to spray it to set my hairstyle before I go out. It smells and feels great!
Purchase at salons and beauty supply stores (like Ulta) near you!
The Wet Brush
The Wet Brush™ ($11 USD) — The magic of the Wet Brush™ is in the specially formulated IntelliFlex™ bristles. IntelliFlex™ bristles are thin, strong and very flexible. They have intelligent flexibility – flexible on one stroke and firm on the next. The adaptive flexibility of IntelliFlex™ eliminates all tugging, tearing, pulling and ripping. No split ends, no hair loss. It provides healthy brushing and detangling, creating the perfect transition from wash to style!
The Wet Brush™ Squirts are mini versions of The Wet Brush™, and are great for travelling and when you’re on-the-go!
What I think: This little brush is perfect to take anywhere. It glides through my wet hair without pulling and breaking the strands. It’s really great for the summer.
Veria ID InnerDosha is a full range of natural skin, hair and body products designed to treat specific hair and skin types as defined by Ayurveda’s doshas: VATA (dry), PITTA (sensitive, combination) and KAPHA (oily).
The 11 products available for each hair/skin type are:
SKIN – Cleanser, Toner, Serum, Day Moisturizer, Night Moisturizer and Mask
HAIR – Shampoo and Conditioner
BODY – Body Wash, Body Lotion and Body Butter
FOR ALL TYPES – 5 products recommended for all skin/hair types:
Deep Conditioner, Detangler, Eye Gel, Eye Cream and Face Scrub
I was lucky to be sent some of the products to sample for my honest opinion. Here are some of my favorites:
Clear the Surface Gentle Efoliant
Clear the Surface Gentle Efoliant ($19 USD) — This gently effective scrub takes it easy. Ultrafine walnut powder and calming ingredients pave the way to glowing skin. It’s a complete about-face for skin needing renewal. Gentle plant exfoliants slough away imperfections and brighten skin, while nourishing oils fight off blemishes and signs of irritation. Here’s how:
exfoliating walnut shell powder, plus papaya and pineapple extracts.
anti-blemish Neem and Coleus oils.
calming Licorice and Comfrey.
I use this every few days and it is gentle, but so effective. It leaves my skin very soft. Also, it smells fantastic (as all of these products do).
Calmly Clean Body Wash (PITTA dosha)
Calmly Clean Body Wash (PITTA dosha) ($10 USD) —
This gentle natural body wash soothes and softens skin as sweet jasmine blooms in the shower. It washes away the conflicts for skin that runs hot and cold. A mild, sugar-based cleansing gel, it soothes sensitivity with anti-inflammatory extracts and balanced moisture. Here’s how:
balancing PITTA Herbal Complex—with potent Boswellia and Turmeric (irritation fighters), and Coleus oil (a blemish banisher).
soothing Chamomile, Comfrey and Witch Hazel extracts.
plant humectants Aloe, Glycerin and Panthenol (Vitamin B-5).
This softly floral scented body wash is wonderful for sensitive and all skin types.
Revive and Shine Hydrating Shampoo
Revive and Shine Hydrating Shampoo (VATA dosha) ($11 USD) — This gentle shampoo hydrates even the driest of hair, with traditional Amla, Sugar Cane, and Coconut extracts to replenish all that is lost. It’s a moisture infusion for thirsty VATA hair. Extra mild—thanks to a sugar-based cleanser—it’s also lightly conditioning, making hair feel both thicker and more manageable. (Plus, it’s safe for color-treated hair.) Here’s how:
VATA Herbal Complex —pure hydration from Coconut juice and Sugar Cane, with potent Amla (an antioxidant “super fruit”).
Barley protein and silica extract, to thicken hair and help curls stay curly.
antioxidant Green Tea extract and Vitamin E.
100% natural fragrance blend: Organic Vanilla Oleoresin, Vanillin Natural, Ginger, Cardamom, Clove and Orange Oil Extracts and other essential oils.
This and the conditioner are super hydrating. They also smell so yummy! These are gentle for every day use.
Night Light Night Cream
Night Light Night Cream (KAPHA dosha) ($35 USD) — This weightless cream is what you need to restore the balance by night. It’s light in texture but rich in benefits, an extra, overnight boost to reduce redness and even skin tone. It’s conflict resolution for KAPHA skin: hydrating with Omega rich nutrients, but no excess oils. Banishing the red, and blemishes, with potent oils like Coleus and Neem. And keeping signs of aging at bay. Here’s how:
KAPHA Herbal Complex—with calming Soapnut bark, plus Neem, Coleus and Vitex oils (all foes of the bacteria that cause blemishes).
peptide-rich Regenerating Complex—made to keep signs of aging small.
light but highly hydrating Cupuacu butter and Jojoba oil.
100% natural fragrance blend: Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, Mandarin, Vanillin Natural and other essential oils.
I love a lighter night cream. This one is perfect for the summer because even though it does hydrate, it helps calm the skin and does not leave it greasy. By the morning, my face is soft and glowing!
It’s been getting warm and humid in Kansas City already. Sigh. I have decided to try to keep my hair treated and moisturized.
I have been switching between the following products (sent to me for my honest review) for the last few weeks.
Nexxus® Youth Renewal™ Rejuvenating Elixir
Nexxus® Youth Renewal™ Rejuvenating Elixir ($17.99 USD) — This lightweight leave-in treatment helps rebuild hair’s strength whilemaking hair look more youthful, vibrant and radiant in just seven days*. The packaging allows for precise application through a dropper that distributes the product.
Nexxus® Youth Renewal™ Plump and Lift Blow Dry Spray
Nexxus® Youth Renewal™ Plump & Lift Blow Dry Spray ($17.99 USD) — Youth Renewal™ Plump & Lift Blow Dry Spray, infused with VITA-8 Complex™, builds thicker-looking hair by providing weightless volume that lasts all day.
I like to use both of these Nexxus products on damp hair together. I start with the spray and comb it through my hair, then I add 4 drops of the elixir and smooth it through my hair. I don’t blow dry my hair, but it air dries to be very soft and shiny!
You can purchase these products at drugstores and mass market retailers near you. Visit www.nexxus.com to learn more.
Ecru Acacia Protein Oil
Ecru Acacia Protein Oil ($30 USD) — This multi-tasking elixir provides superb conditioning and moisturization for the hair. In addition, it protects against heat damage during styling, reduces drying time, eliminates frizz, and helps to mend split ends for hair that’s incredibly smooth with brilliant shine. It contains:
Acacia Collagen™: A patented plant-based anti-aging collagen that moisturizes hair and improves the hair’s ability to retain that moisture.
Argan Oils: To soften and smooth the hair, giving it that silky feel.
Hydrolyzed Keratin: To condition the hair, improving elasticity, manageability, shine and body of the hair.
My favorite way to use this oil is to rub a pump or two between my hands and smooth it on my hair. I start with my ends then move up to my roots. It is not greasy at all in my hair, it just makes it so soft and shiny!
Agadir Argan Oil Moisture Masque (8oz $29, 19.99 on sale) Contains Keratin Protein and provides a sulfate-free anti color fade treatment for long-lasting hair color. This moisturizing product provides deep repair to smooth, strengthen, protect for hair that shines. Repairs badly damaged hair from the effect of hot tools and chemical services in just a few treatments. Enriched with antioxidants, vitamin E and keratin protein to nourish and mend split ends and frizzies back to life with elasticity, easy combing and luxurious shine.
Agadir Argan Oil Moisture Masque Benefits: Contains 100% pure and certified Argan oil Restores, revitalizes, repairs and prevents future damage Keratin protein enriched Contains anti oxidants & vitamin E. Instantly moisturizes, adding elasticity & shine Treats in 3 to 5 minutes Agadir signature, aromatherapy fragrance Leaves hair with radiant shine Sulfate free
Directions: After cleansing with Agadir Argan Shampoo, massage Agadir Argan Oil Moisture Masque into wet hair. Leave in 1-2 minutes. Rinse. For excessively dry or damaged hair, leave in 3-5 minutes. Use in place of daily conditioner 1-2 times per week or as often as needed.
I used this as my conditioner with my regular shampoo. I left it in for a few minutes and after my hair dried, it was so soft — and wavy! I have semi-wavy hair and this made me look like I had braided my hair wet, then un-braided it dry. So cute!
I am a sucker for hair and body care that smells great! And if it’s affordable and readily available, all the better!
With the lush scent like Red Ruby Groovy, güd’s new hair and body care essentials combine natural formulas with indulgent experiences, so you can have it all. Red Ruby Groovy lavishes skin and hair with the lively scent of grapefruit and wild thyme. Discover that wild thyme isn’t just an ingredient, it’s a promise.
The products left to right are:
Natural Body Lotion – 8oz for $6.99 Natural moisturizers lavish you with the scent of grapefruit and wild thyme leaving skin wonderfully moisturized. Feel soft and smell groovy
Natural Body Wash – 10oz for $6.99 A citrusy start to your day, this natural body wash is scented with grapefruit, but also wild time – for a little wild-card factor. Cuz you’re a sweetie, not a sugar-coated sappy.
Natural Nourishing Shampoo – 12oz for $6.99 This gentle shampoo cleanses hair naturally, leaving it super-shiny and ultra-touchable. It’s like washing your hair in a sunny rain.
Natural Softening Conditioner – 12oz for $6.99 Hair loves its naturally moisturizing botanicals. You’ll love its zingy scent of grapefruit and wild thyme. It’s love at first conditioning.
What I think: I really like all of these products. The scent is fresh and a bit tangy. Great for Spring and Summer. I love how natural the product is. Also, if you like to layer your fragrance, this set is perfect. Head to toe yumminess! And it makes hair soft and shiny, too.
The Goody brand is the most widely-recognized manufacturer of hair accessories and styling tools in the world. Through proprietary brands such as DoubleWear™, QuikStyle™, Simple Styles™, Slide-Proof™ and Ouchless®, Goody has introduced smart innovations like the exclusive Spin Pin and Quik Style Brush. With products inspired by the latest designer trends and innovative solutions, Goody offers an inspiring range of hair accessories and styling tools.
The Spin Pin does the work of 20 bobby pins! Easily achieve chic updo styles; simply twirl your hair up and spin the Spin Pins in for a perfect top knot, undone bun and side bun!
Steps:
1. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck (no ponytail holder needed)
2. Twist your hair into a tight bun and tuck in the ends
3. Spin one pin in from the top and the other from the base, taking care not to interlock pins.
I received the Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin ($7.29 USD) complementary from Influenster.com to test.
I love how easy these are to use. I have medium length fine hair and they work pretty well for me. I do fine that my hair starts to slip out after a couple of hours, but it is easy to fix. I have these in the darker color and they blend well in my hair.
Learn more about these at www.goody.com. Spin Pins are available at Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreen’s, Kroger, and Duane Reade.
With the heat and humidity comes the frizzies. This is something that I have to deal with every year in Kansas City! John Frieda’s Frizz-Ease collection, however, helps to both rejuvenate and tame my strands. Below are a few of my favorite hair savers from the brand.
Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner($6.49 each) — The Smooth Start Shampoos and Conditioners are the best way to start off the day; they immediately start to block frizz. Containing a Frizz-Mending Complex as well as natural olive oil, they smooth strands, hydrate and replenish vital moisture that’s lost, and restores your hair’s natural defense against frizz.
Frizz-Ease Daily Nourishment Leave-In Conditioning Spray($5.99) — This conditioning spray has a high-potency infusion of vitamins, proteins and supplemental moisture to strengthen and help repair hair. Simply spray onto wet hair after shampooing and conditioning, concentrating on the ends where your hair is driest.
Frizz-Ease Thermal Protection Serum($9.99) — Not only does this serum eliminate frizz, but it also protects your hair from damage caused by UV exposure and styling tools. Employing a Thermal Shield Complex (a blend of silk protein, phythantriol and Vitamin E), it buffers hair against styling stress and leaves it silky with a vibrant, enviable shine. Apply to either soaking wet hair or dry hair.
These fab products are available at mass market retailers near you. And learn more at www.johnfrieda.com.
Summer sun and humidity really dries out my hair. So I need to infuse my hair with moisture to make it look good in the heat!
The products below do just that, plus help me style it so it looks its best.
Klorane Shampoo with Mango Butter
Nourish that summer-dried hair with Klorane Shampoo With Mango Butter ($18 USD, 13.4 oz) Klorane Laboratories have selected mango butter for its high content in fatty acids endowed with nourishing properties. The nourishing shampoo with mango butter from Klorane nourishes and restructures the hair shaft, closes up hair cuticles and fills in the cracks of the surface hydrolipidic film to protect it from dehydration. A nourishing care for reinforced anti hair dryness action. Hypoallergenic*.
I also have tried Klorane Conditioner With Mango Butter ($14 USD, 5.1 oz) — Mango butter has a high content in fatty acids which nourish the hair shaft and fill in the cracks of the surface hydrolipic film. A specific nourishing agent has also been included in the formula to smooth down hair scales and coat the hair to facilitate untangling. For manageable, easier-to-untangle hair in complete gentleness. Nourished and smooth, you will once again flaunt all their shine and softness. Hypoallergenic.*
What I think: First of all, this smells fantastic, like fresh mangoes. Using both products result in moisturized hair that is super soft to the touch. This system is great for every day if you have extremely dry hair — or once or twice a week for occasional deep moisturization. Learn more at www.kloraneusa.com.
White Sands Orchid Bliss Shampoo and Conditioner
White Sands is proud to announce the addition of Orchid Bliss Shampoo & Conditioner (9.5oz Shampoo, $19.50 & 9.5oz Conditioner, $20.50) to their current line of superior salon hair cleansing products. Encompassing a one of a kind concept, Orchid Bliss utilizes the anti-aging characteristics and mineral richness of the orchid flower to support color retention with a sulfate-free formula while providing strand revitalization and cuticle nutrition all in one.
Orchids, known for their moisturizing properties, fight free radicals, increase hair immunity and reduce the appearance of strand imperfections. Enhanced by the duo’s fresh citrus scent, the orchid extract contained in Orchid Bliss Shampoo & Conditioner in addition to natural ingredients like sunflower seed extract, grape seed oil, carrot seed, olive extract, apricot kernel & more restore back the moisture, shine, elasticity and softness to hair that has been damaged from chemical treatments, thermal stress and daily UV exposure. This orchid complex will instantly fill in the cracks and imperfections in each strand giving a high shine, making hair simply brilliant with UV protection in addition to effortlessly working in conjunction with other styling products to improve texture, repel moisture, while enhancing vibrant color.
What I think: This lovely system is natural and gentle and can be used daily to restore hair from colorings and styling tools — and the harsh summer elements! It has a beautiful floral scent. Learn more at www.whitesandsproducts.com.
Aveda Pure Abundance Collection
New aveda pure abundance style-prep infuses hair with all-day weightless volume that feels naturally yours. Thickens strands with a 97% naturally-derived botanical blend, and boosts volume with a natural corn-derived polymer. Give fine, limp strands the hold they need for body that lasts all day.
Build body and volume with aveda’s pure abundance system. While naturally-derived thickeners help your hair reach its full potential, aromas of jasmine, certified organic peppermint, palmarosa and ylang ylang play to the senses.
Start with pure abundance volumizing shampoo ($16 USD) and volumizing clay conditioner ($16 USD). Prep hair for weightless volumizing with style-prep ($24 USD). Finish with hair potion™ ($24 USD) and volumizing hair spray™ ($17 USD) for texture and firm hold.
What I think: I love this whole collection. Used together, I have seen a noticeable increase in the volume of my hair. I use the style-prep by spraying on damp hair and also when my hair is dry and needs a bit of restyling. The hair potion is also a cool product in that it is a moist powder that you rub in your hand to liquify it, then run it through your hair to immediately increase the volume. Purchase at www.aveda.com
Cricket Ultra Smooth Oil Combs
To tame frizzies, invest in double-duty Cricket Ultra Smooth Comb. Infused with a blend of Argan & Olive Oils and Keratin protein, this comb reduces frizz and makes hair soft and smooth sans styling sprays or serums.
Features of each comb are:
A blend of argan and olive oils, plus keratin protein infused plastic
Glides through hair easily
Ergonomically designed
Helps add shine and smoothness
Reduces frizz
Will not leave residue on hands
What I think: These combs are like magic. I have been wearing my hair in a ponytail, braid or bun all summer, and if it get messy, I take it out and comb it with one of these combs and it is instantly smoother! My hair is shinier and sans frizz! Awesome! Purchase at www.cricketco.com ($6.49/comb)
Crush by One 1″ Ceramic Flat Iron
Crush by One 1 in Ceramic Flat Iron ($80 USD 1″, $30 USD mini ) — The Crush Flat Irons (available in 1” or as a Mini) have floating beveled plates that provide ultimate control during styling. Wide temperature ranges make them ideal for any hair type, while the dual voltage make them travel must-haves.
What I think: I really like the temperature range on this. My hair is fairly thin and I don’t need it too hot, but my daughter has insanely thick hair that needs a lot of heat. It is great that we can both use the same straightener. It also helps with summer frizzies — just use a nice heat styling product with it to prevent damage. Learn more at www.onestyiling.com
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 