Haircare – Page 19 – Forty, Flirty & Fabulous

Summer Survival Products

Summer beauty and health care is unlike that of any other season in that it holds more ways to hinder your looks. There are almost dangerous situations such as sunburns and bug bites (having just got bitten by a brown recluse spider, I have had the worse of that). And, more common but annoying problems of damaged hair, oily skin or dry skin patches from burning.

Here are some of my recent faves to help with some of the summer madness and keep me looking good despite the elements! Lets start with bug spray…

The Skin So Soft Bug Guard collection is the go-to choice for insect repellency, featuring products that are tough on bugs but soft on you. All products are DEET-free. Skin So Soft Bug Guard insect repellents are suitable for the entire family. Avon’s insect repellents have the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval and contain one of two EPA-registered active ingredients, IR3535® or Picaridin. The collection includes:

Bug Guard Plus IR3535® Expedition ™ SPF 30 ($14-$16) – Combined sun and insect protection in one product and available in an Aerosol spray and Pump spray. Strong and long-lasting repellency against mosquitoes, deer ticks, sand flies, gnats, no-seeums and biting midges.

Bug Guard Plus Picaridin ($14-$16) – Protection during dusk & dawn, which is when mosquitoes are more active. Repels deer ticks that may transmit Lyme disease and mosquitoes that may carry West Nile virus. Available as an Aerosol Spray, Pump Spray and travel-friendly Towelettes.

Bug Guard Plus IR3535® SPF 30 Lotions ($14) – Repel mosquitoes, deer ticks, black flies, sand flies, gnats, no-seeums and biting midges. Aloe and Vitamin E-enriched formulas are available as a Gentle Breeze Lotion and Cool ‘n Fabulous Disappearing Color Lotion.

Also available is the fab NEW Anti-Itch Spray– Provides temporary, soothing relief to itchy insect bites. ($10).

Beyond just fighting off the bugs outdoors, Avon’s Skin So Soft Bug collection also helps you swat them away virtually with the first-ever Bug Guard game! Visit Avon Products on Facebook to play, and receive a code for free shipping.

Products available at www.avon.com.

AHAVA Sun Anti-Aging Moisturizing Spray SPF 15 ($26 USD, 8.5 oz) This quick-absorbing SPF 15 spray lotion is enriched with Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5 to neutralize free radicals and fight sun damage. It meets Australian-approved UV protection standards and provides effective anti-aging protection in water.

Available at www.ahavaus.com

Proactiv Oil Blotter Sheets

Summer sweating is inevitable, but Proactiv’s Oil Blotter Sheets ($11 USD) absorb excess oil to leave your skin feeling fresh and clean, with a beautiful matte finish. Made from 100% pure natural-fiber paper, with zero artificial ingredients and no talc, they won’t clog your pores. Tuck them in your purse and your good to go, all day long.

Available at www.DiscoverProactiv.com and 1-888-819-2019

Keep your skin clear and glowing with help from Bye Bye Blackheads ($28 USD) from Joey New York Beauty. This gel masque treatment helps to eliminate blackheads and minimize pores – with visible results in as little as one minute.

When I use a thin layer of this under makeup, it tightens my skin and my pores look less noticeable. Visit www.joeynewyork.com to learn more and purchase.

Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream

Use only the most soothing and gentle lotions on your face after cleansing. Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration collection is infused with Clary Sage to deeply moisturize skin. Lather on the Intense Hydration Day Lotion ($17.99 USD) after cleansing in the morning, and let your skin rest softly by applying the Intense Hydration Night Cream ($17.99 USD) right before bed.

These creams are also perfect after a day in the sun. Hydration helps with very sun drenched skin and peeling. Visit www.burtsbees.com near you to learn more. You can purchase at a mass market retailer near you.

Bed Head by TIGI Ego Boost ($16.50 USD) Harsh summer elements can leave your hair looking less than desirable. This stellar split-end mender and leave-in conditioner will help to repair and protect your hair from the harsh summer elements, leaving you with nothing but endless shine!

Enjoy!

Define Your Curls With White Sands Curl Up in Silk Firm Hold Mousse

: White Sands Curl Up in Silk

My hair is naturally slightly wavy, so I usually like to straighten it. But in the summer, I don’t like to do a lot to it and try to find ways to accentuate my waves.

So the last few weeks I have been using White Sands Curl Up in Silk Firm Hold Mousse. It is formulated to softly hold curls, creating texture, dimension, waves, and volume: the perfect styling product for curl definition and hold. Yet, despite its firm hold, Curl Up in Silk provides a light, flexible feel free of unwanted flaking and product build up, leaving hair silky, shiny and soft.

The claim of this product is that due to the unique chemical molecular structure of the ingredients, Curl Up in Silk Firm Hold Mousse will provide a new type of curl pattern. Once applied to wet or dry locks, the wave created will take on a rope-like effect, causing the hair to group together and turn over each other. Curl up in Silk also resists moisture for long-lasting styles even in the highest levels of humidity. With the additional benefit of thermal protection, it is the perfect complement to your favorite heat styling tools such as curling irons, hot rollers, and flat irons.

As my hair is not curly, just a little wavy, I get soft, slightly ropey waves. But it is a beachy look — like I just came out of the ocean! It also smells fantastic and leaves my hair soft.

Suggested Retail Price: 7oz, $19.50 via fine salons & www.whitesandsproducts.com.

Enjoy!

Pureology Supreme Control Maximum Hold Zero Dulling Hairspray

It’s time to take control of your hair! No longer must you hide your limp locks or frizzy flyaways with hats and scarves, because Pureology is introducing Supreme Control maximum hold zero dulling hairspray ($26, 11oz)!

Supreme Control fortifies your sometimes unpredictable hair with maximum hold and extra shine to keep your ponytails smooth, your braids tight, and your curls bouncy… all while keeping your hair sleek, shiny, and frizz-free. Join us in discovering the newest addition to the Pureology Colour Stylist line of styling products, which will deliver the hold you want, and the protection and color fade prevention you deserve!

Like other Colour Stylist products, Supreme Control features Pureology’s exclusive Strengthening Anti Fade Complex® enhanced with Keravis protein to provide strength and protect colour from UV and free radical damage. Vegetable-based polymers provide caring hold that lasts. Unique reflective lipid extracts deliver maximum radiance and olive oil replenishes and nourishes to infuse hair with suppleness, while camelina extract forms a humidity-resistant barrier to help lock in the style. Finally, coriander oil creates mirror surface shine for enhanced colour vibrancy.

What I think: First of all, this hairspray smells amazing. Which is unusual for hair spray as it usually has a chemical scent.

I have found that it has a fairly stiff hold, but it does not dull the hair. This is perfect for every day use, and special occasions.

Visit www.pureology.com for a retail location near you!

Enjoy!

Get Ready For Summer!

Happy Memorial Day! This is the unofficial start of Summer. I am writing this at 5 pm in Kansas City and it is 91 degrees. My family and I went to a lake this morning to splash in the water and then my girls went swimming again this afternoon — so it is certainly time to get the hot weather beauty products out! Here are some of my faves:

Lavanila Healthy SPF Collection: Get the complete coverage you need with Lavanila’s Healthy SPF Collection. These 100% natural products are made with a new generation of mineral sunscreens for superior UVA/UVB protection. Free of harsh chemicals, synthetic sunscreens and nano-particles, all formulas are fragrance-fee and infused with a superior complex of skin-saving vitamins, minerals and amino acids. The collection includes The Healthy Sunscreen SPF 30 Body Cream, The Healthy Sunscreen SPF 40 Face Cream and The Healthy Lip Screen SPF 30. Price: $16 to $38 at www.lavanila.com.

Gillette Venus Embrace — $9.99 — $11.99 USD for the refillable razor, two cartridges, and a shower pod to hold the razor in the shower and $13.49 – $14.99 USD for a four-pack cartridge refills. This razor now comes with a new purple and turquoise handle and has five, yes FIVE, blades for an perfectly smooth and close shave. I love this razor! The head swivels and hugs every curve. This would be perfect for the summer when we wear way less clothes!

tarte Amazon bronze Amazonian clay & annatto body bronzer ($37 USD) — Achieve a faux glow, naturally, with the new Amazonian clay and annatto-infused body bronzer in universally flattering Amazon bronze. This is a lovely light bronzer, but it is a bit sparkly, so I suggest to use it on legs and arms — especially at night! . Directions: Using the included body puff, blend bronzer into skin making sure to pay special attention around knees, ankles and elbows. Add one coat for a subtle bronze, or 2-3 coats for deeper color. Occasionally rinse body puff with a mild antibacterial soap and let dry overnight.

Purchase at www.tartecosmetics.com and Sephora stores.

Burt’s Bees Refreshing Lip Balm with Pink Grapefruit ($3 USD) Give your lips a kiss. This juicy lip balm is made with nutritious, tropical Pink Grapefruit Seed Oil, bursting with powerful vitamins. Refresh your lips with a sweet hint of citrus.

• Nourishes with Vitamin C and E from Pink Grapefruit Seed Oil • Delicious citrus flavor • Softens and conditions lips

Available at www.burtbees.com and at mass market retailers near you.

Skinnygirl Mommy Cool Your Feet Spray ($7.89 USD) — Cool your achingly tired feet by misting them with soothing essential ingredients such as cucumber, aloe and peppermint for a revitalizing burst of freshness. Feet feel instantly refreshed and pampered!

Key Ingredients:

Aloe – Used to moisturize and soften skin
Peppermint Oil – Energizes and cools while helping to sooth common foot irritants
Cucumber Extract – Used to sooth and relieve puffiness

Available at www.skinnygirlfaceandbodystore.com

Pantene Split End Repair Keratin Protection

Pantene Normal-Thick Hair Solutions Keratin Protection Crème ($6.29 USD) is formulated to help keep hair strong to protect hair’s natural keratin structure from damage. The result is strong, healthy hair with fewer split ends.

I can tell that this works. After a few uses, my hair has looked shinier and it does appear that I have less split ends. My teenage daughter uses this on her hair that has been damaged from straighteners and blue hair dye — and it really does make her hair look healthier.

You can purchase this at mass market retailers near you.

Enjoy!

Reviews of CEW Finalists By Fresh, M.A.C. and Neutrogena plus an Ojon Giveaway!

CEW – a nonprofit professional organization with more than 4,500 executives in the beauty, cosmetics, fragrance and related industries– has recently presented its annual Insiders’ Choice Beauty Awards, the only beauty award voted on by industry experts. The Awards celebrate the most innovative products of the year, and its list of 140 finalists include some of the most popular and effective products around. You can learn more at www.cew.org.

I have received a few products from CEW for review and one cool hair product from Ojon to giveaway (see below). The products are:

Seaberry Restorative Body Cream ($28.50 USD) is an ultra-hydrating and nourishing treatment designed to calm and relieve irritation. The moisturizing formula is fortified with omegas 3, 6, 7 & 9 and seaberry oil, a powerful antioxidant that helps to restore, protect, and soften the skin. Its creamy rich texture offers a luxurious skin-soothing experience. The ingredients in this lotion are:

– Seaberry oil, also known as seabuckthorn oil, is a powerful antioxidant rich in omegas 7 & 9 that helps to restore, protect, and soften the skin.
– Cranberry seed oil is packed with omegas 3, 6 & 9 and vitamin E to help maintain the skin’s elasticity and smoothness.
– Sal seed butter, rich in omegas 6 & 9, apricot kernel seed oil, and jojoba seed oil help to hydrate and nourish.
– Sea lavender helps to soothe and calm dry skin.

What I think: This lotion is amazing! You only need one small squirt for both hands and arms. It is cooling and so silky on. This is perfect for after shaving or spending time in the sun (with sunscreen on, of course)! It has a pretty strong herbal scent, but it’s not unpleasant.

www.fresh.com and www.sephora.com

M.A.C. False Lashes ($19 USD) Fashionably false in look, but honestly real, this mascara’s key benefits of volume and curl are matched by a dramatic end look. The unique edge: the ultra-thickening formula in combo with the plush-’em-up action of its unique double-lush brush.

What I think: I have never tried a M.A.C. mascara and was excited to try this one. I have mixed feelings about this mascara. It does add length, but does not thicken unless you use a lot of coats, then it ends up clumping. It also runs very easily, and since I have allergies, it starts running shortly after I apply it. So yay on length and boo on volume and wearability.

You can learn more and purchase at M.A.C. stores and www.maccosmetics.com.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Soothing Lotion SPF 15

Neutrogena® Ultra Gentle Soothing Lotion with SPF 15 ($15.99 USD) is a gentle daily moisturizer formulated for even the most sensitive skin. It’s clinically proven to instantly soothe and calm skin, visibly reducing redness and irritation. This uniquely developed formula with Chamomile and Feverfew makes skin less sensitive after just one week by strengthening skin’s moisture barrier. Skin is left smoother, more supple, and healthier looking with daily use. Broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen protects the skin against the sun’s damaging rays. With an allergy tested fragrance uniquely developed for sensitive skin, skin is left feeling calmer, softer and smoother.

What I think: My skin becomes more sensitive the older I get. So I was happy to try this gentle daily moisturizer. It is not greasy and really soothes my red cheeks everyday I also love the SPF 15 that is in the product. I have been applying moisturizer and SPF separately and this is much more convenient and way less heavy feeling.

You may purchase at a mass market retailer near you.

Now For the Giveaway!!!

I am giving away a Ojon Color Sustain Gloss Finishing Hair Spray ($23.50 USD) Formulated with UVA/UVB sunscreens. This weightless finishing spray for color-treated hair not only keeps styles under control, it actually promotes hair’s natural shine and radiance. And it never leaves a heavy, sticky, color-dulling residue. Pure Ojon™ oil, nature’s hair-repairing golden elixir instantly preps hair to work with Tahitian Monoi so it can enhance softness and sheen. Hair looks rich, lustrous and vibrant. It’s the perfect summer or vacation hairspray for color-treated hair.

If you would like to win this, please leave a comment on my blog. I will randomly choose a winner on Monday, June 4, 2012.

Good luck! And please, only residents of the United States and Canada.

Enjoy!

Great New Beauty Brand — Nuance Salma Hayek!

Inspired by Salma Hayek’s grandmother, a cosmetologist who developed her own homemade beauty remedies, the line features some of Salma’s favorite ingredients from around the world. Perfect for your Spring beauty regimen, the NEW Nuance Salma Hayek products below are perfect for effortless beauty and year-round overnight repair.

Products pictured from left to right:

· Advanced Hydration Smooth & Firm Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen ($19.99): This lightweight gel crème’s advanced formula helps immediately fill in fine lines and wrinkles and provides SPF protection, absorbing quickly to seal in hydration and resurface skin.

· Anti-Aging Tinted Eye Brightener ($19.99): Night owls and early risers can both benefit from this quick fix and leave those sunglasses at home! This age-defying, under-eye brightener features Caffeine, Blue Agave and Haloxyl Peptide to conceal dark circles, reduce puffiness, improve elasticity, and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.

· Macadamia Nut Exfoliating Body Cleansing Scrub ($8.99): This creamy, exfoliating, cleansing butter provides superior hydration while removing dirt and oil. Macadamia Nut Oil and micro-beads gently slough off dead skin cells while Shea Butter and Coconut Oil moisturize, leaving skin clean and refreshed.

· Intense Hydration Overnight Rejuvenator ($19.99): Repair skin while you sleep with this intensive treatment, which rejuvenates and nourishes dry, mature and sun-damaged skin! Anti-inflammatory Royal Jelly, Tepezcohuite and Camapu minimize signs of aging while hydrating and firming.

· Overnight Time-Release Retinol Capsules ($21.99): Restore elasticity and radiance with these technologically-advanced capsules, utilizing Retinol (pure Vitamin A) to enhance elasticity, minimize fine lines and even tone and texture. Toss these tiny, potent capsules in your travel bag for an on-the-go fix!

· Lift & Shine Volumizing Mousse ($9.99): Get your “body” noticed with this volumizer! The non-sticky formula of this lightweight mousse features polymers and humectants to add volume and shine, thickening fine, limp hair and fighting frizz.

· Style & Finish Firm Hold Hairspray ($9.99): This strong-hold hairspray is formulated with the latest technology to deliver all-day style and control with flexible hold, keeping hair styled even in heat and humidity.

Right now I am particularly loving the Overnight Time-Release Retinol Capsules and the Anti-Aging Tinted Eye Brightener. The capsules are a gel that when applied, leave skin smooth and soft. They also have a matte finish, which although not so important at night, I really love.

The eye brightener is a quick step after concealer, that brightens eyes and minimizes the look of wrinkles. Also helps with my morning puffiness!

These products are all affordable and easily accessible at your local CVS/pharmacy. Enjoy!

TIGI Bed Head Candy Fixations Collection

TIGI Bead Head has recently released their Candy Fixations collection. This is a group of styling products that have been inspired by sweets.

There are five products in this line. In the photo above from left to right are Sugar Dust, an invisible micro-texture root powder; Glaze Haze, semi-sweet smoothing hair serum, Totally Baked, a volumizing and prepping hair meringue; Sugar Shock hair bodifying sugar spray; Mega Whip, whipped marshmallow hair texture.

I tried the following two products from the collection:

TIGI Bed Head Candy Fixations Glaze Haze ($15.95, 2oz) – Semi-Sweet Smoothing Hair Serum. This sweet treat candy coats each strand to fight humidity, add shine, and help speed up drying time. Delicious Crème Brule scent.

What I think: I have been using this every day — on wet and dry hair. It instantly smooths flyaways and adds shine. Just one or two drops is all I need for my long hair. I live in Kansas City and in the summer I am hoping that this will help with the frizzies that come with humid heat. It smells nice but the scent is not too strong.

TIGI Bed Head Candy Fixations Totally Baked ($15.95 USD) – Volumizing and Prepping Hair Meringue. Apply to wet hair for long-lasting weightless movement and enhanced performance of other styling products. Delicious Lemon Meringue Pie scent.

What I think: I have used this on wet hair. It is has a creamy texture and is not too sticky. It does add a bit of volume and helps with the hold of my style. I really like the lemony scent, as well. A good primer product.

Visit www.bedhead.com for a store locator.

Enjoy!

Burt’s Bees new line — güd

Who doesn’t want hair care and bath products that smells good and are natural, too? Awaken your senses with Burt’s Bees new line that focuses on fragrances while continuing to use all natural ingredients (without parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, and animal testing).

The products in the range are Nourishing Shampoo, Softening Conditioner, Body Wash, Body Butter, Body Lotion, Body Mist, Foaming Hand Wash and Hand Cream. The lovely scents are Floral Cherrynova, Orange Petalooza, Vanilla Flame and Pearanormal Activity.

Natural Nourishing Shampoo ($6.99, 12oz) This gentle shampoo cleanses hair naturally, for hair that says “touch me.”

Natural Softening Conditioner – ($6.99, 12oz) When you want your hair to behave, reach for this luscious conditioner to whip unruly strands into shape.

I tried these in the Floral Cherrynova. It’s a very bright scent, and very strong. The combo of shampoo and conditioner left my hair soft and manageable. I love that they are natural and affordable. I would try them in different fragrances.

Available at mass market retailers and learn more at www.burtsbees.com.

MATRIX Total Results Amplify Proforma Hairspray Review

I have long, straight hair, but I have recently got a trim and added layers. Even though I usually don’t use hairspray, I have been using MATRIX Total Results Amplify Proforma Hairspray ($15 USD) and I am seeing a difference in hold and volume.

The claim is that the spray will, “Attack fine hair with thinner diameter and lack of inner structure and give it totally voluminous results that last 24 hours. Performa Hairspray with 24HR Full Boost Technology boasts thermal protectants and gives a firm hold finish, with lasting lift and volume.”

What I think: This spray does as it claims by giving volume. I spray at the roots and flip my hair over and spray again and my hair is full and swingy. It also last for hours.

I also love how my hair is shiny after using this product. It doesn’t dull my hair.

For a salon locator please log onto www.MATRIX.com. Enjoy!

New John Frieda Precision Foam Colour Salon Blends

Did you know that the most common blends that you’ll see your colorist mix when at the salon are NOT the ones you’ll find on the shelf for at-home color? Well, the John Frieda® Hair Care experts have been working to fix this problem… enter the New Precision Foam Colour Salon Blends!

“When my clients come into the salon, I use colors from a professional shade palette to create exclusive blends customized to their skin tone and desired color,” explains John Frieda® Creative Colour Director Nicola Clarke. “The shades I create shades are hugely popular because you typically can’t get them in home hair color —it takes a professional to blend the basic tones expertly. I worked with John Frieda® Hair Care to share some of the most popular, flattering blends I create at the salon, transforming them into shades of Precision Foam Colour.”

The five new colors include:

Dark Caramel Blonde (Natural/Beige/Gold)

Dark Cool Pearl Blonde (Pearl/Beige/Natural)

Lightest Cool Almond Brown (Pearl/Beige/Natural)

Light Bronze Brown (Natural/Beige/Copper)

Light Amber Brown (Natural/Beige/Gold)

I have dark brown hair (my color is 4BG — Dark Chocolate Brown), but I would recommend these blends, just from the fact that this is fab home hair color. It evenly colors hair (no weird off-color patches) and leaves hair shiny and gorgeous! It covers pesky grays well, too!

Each cost $12.99 and can be found at food, drug and mass retailers nationwide. Enjoy!