What is it? Jonathan's Green Routine Dry Shampoo is "an all-natural hair powder that cleanses and refreshes the hair and scalp without the use of water. The powder helps create volume at the root, and the portable brush makes application simple and convenient. Talc and aluminum hydroxide help to absorb oil, dirt, and product buildup. It's free of petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and silicone." Available in dark, light (and coming soon, black) shades for less than $20 from QVC.
What did you think? I received a sample of this product and have given it a try. Let me first post a disclaimer: I commit a terrible hair sin--I wash my hair every day. I tried this product a few times, after working out and getting my hair soaked with sweat (I blew it dry and then applied the dry shampoo).
Here's the good: I like the packaging of this product. It has a built-in brush to make applying the powder easy. It's small and spill-proof so you could easily toss it in your purse, overnight bag, or gym bag. The product is relatively simple to use and apply. And, like all of Jonathan's stuff, it's not tested on animals and is 100% vegan.
And the not so good: I just didn't see any vast improvements in the texture of my hair. I had a few splotches of light-colored powder that I had to brush through, but my scalp and roots still seemed a bit greasy. Maybe I should have used more product? I don't know...I was a bit nervous to over do it!
The final verdict? For me, I'd say this product is a pass. As I said, I'm in the horrible habit of washing my hair daily and really can't stand the way my hair and scalp feel when I miss a day.
I know that other people swear by dry shampoos and can get them to work. I'd rather just hop in the shower and get my lather on. We're all different! If you're not a daily shampoo-er or if you like dry shampoos, I'd recommend you give this one a try.
Beauty Product of the Week: Dry Shampoo
Celebrity Beauty: What Do You Think Of K-Stew's Lighter Do?
What's Old is New Again!
Recently I've noticed something of a trend: older brands that have since faded away are making a comeback. Let's get a bit nostalgic and check out the newest incarnations of once loved, possibly forgotten products.
PERT HAIR CARE
I have a rather scandalous story centering around a bottle of Pert. No, I am not going to share this story...I don't want to incriminate myself of otherwise sully my reputation.
Anyway....I remember using Pert, the milky-green shampoo in the huge green bottles--as a kid. My mother bought it for us instead of sexier, spendier products like Pantene. Pert did it's job--it cleaned our hair with abundant lather and a super clean scent.
I never noticed that Pert vanished from store shelves, but it's making it's way back! They offer a 2-in-1 formula that combines shampoo and conditioner. At $4 or so, Pert is economical and (thanks to the 2-in-1) time saving.
FINESSE
I don't think I ever used Finesse products, but I do remember their jingle (Feeling beautiful...nothing less than beautiful...Nothing Less Than Finesse!) so I wasn't aware that Finesse disappeared over the years.
Now, Finesse has been restyled and is offering up a slew of products for all sorts of hair care issues. I received a sample of Finesse shampoo and conditioner, and I must admit--it has made my hair very soft. Plus it smells fresh--and it costs less than $7.00. Welcome back, Finesse!
AQUA NET
Like many of its former hard-core users, Aqua Net has something of a bad reputation. Mention the brand name, and I bet you instantly think of 80s hair metal bands. Back in the 80s--when I was a kid--I was very into ballet. Once a year, I'd have a huge ballet exam where every move counted. I had to have perfect posture and not a single hair could be out of place. My mom used to pull my hair back into the tightest bun known to (wo)man, secure everything with a gazillion bobbi pins, and then spray the holy hell out of my head.
Well, slap on the spandex because Aqua Net is back, bitches! And I say: Embrace it! Aqua Net is wicked cheap--you can pick up a gigantic bottle of the stuff for about $3.50--and, as we saw in the 80s, it has the power to defy gravity. If you're looking for kick-ass hold and you don't want to spend a ton of money, Aqua Net is your answer.
Gray: Hot or Not?
I received an email from Infusium 23 about what they consider to be the trend of celebrities embracing and enhancing their gray hair. Here's what Infusium 23 had to say:
For most women, gray hair means one thing – getting older. However, thanks to the gray hair trend among celebrities and fashionistas, gray is the new black (or blonde, or brunette!). Songstress Pink, supermodel Kate Moss and reality TV star Kelly Osbourne have gone as far as dying their locks gray, while older women such as actress Jamie Lee Curtis have sported their gray locks proudly.
Disguising gray hair can be a never-ending battle, but women can now embrace all shades of gray! Dare to wear hair gray (whether it’s natural or not!) with these tips from Infusium 23 hair health expert Gavin Harwin:
- With gray hair, it’s important to avoid things that look like roller sets and teasing. Think simple and modern, not retro, to keep it fresh.
- Gray hair can be drier and coarser. Add moisture and control frizz with Infusium 23 Frizz Controller Leave-In Treatment which infuses the hair cuticle with nutrients to provide smoothness, control and protection against frizz.
- Try a cool, short haircut which makes gray hair look young and hip.
Here are my 2 cents: If you are an older woman and your hair is naturally going gray, I think there's no reason NOT to embrace gray. Salt and pepper, white, and shiny silver hair can look beautiful. If a woman likes her hair to be gray, then she should go for it.
My mother has salt and pepper hair, but she would love for it to be silver. She's asked stylist after stylist and has always been told that it's difficult--if not impossible--to dye hair gray in a way that looks good. She's stuck with her salt and pepper, hoping for the day when it all turns gray.
While naturally gray hair looks just fine, I think it looks really weird for someone who is not naturally gray to dye their hair that shade. Look at Kelly Osborne in the photo above. It looks strange to me, but what do I know?
Let me know your thoughts! If this really is a "trend," I can't see many women embracing it.
Today is World Oceans Day
Well...THIS is timely, considering what's happening down in Louisiana.
June 8th is World Oceans Day. Officially recognized by the UN in 2008, but unofficially celebrated since 1992, this day allows us the opportunity to delight in our world ocean and explore our personal connections to the sea.
Depth recognizes the absolute importance of the ocean and its inhabitants—their hair, bath and body products utilize sea-based ingredients that clean, nourish and refresh skin and hair—so to commemorate and honor World Oceans Day, Depth will donate $1 from each unit sold at Whole Foods and on www.wholefoodsmarket.com from June 8th through June 15th to the National Audubon Society for Gulf oil spill recovery.
Depth utilizes these essential, sea-based ingredients to stimulate skin with a surge of moisture like no other. Depth enhances the skin’s ability to remain healthy, hydrated and resilient. The therapeutic sea botanicals within Depth are best known for their moisturizing properties, but they also serve to supply essential fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins and amino acids to protect and detoxify the skin. Drawing upon three different classes of sea botanicals – Brown (Phaeophyta), Green (Chlorophyta) and Red (Rhodophyta) algae – delivery of hydration and minerals to the skin has never been so moisturizing. Together, these algae powerhouses act as detoxifiers, while individually delivering their own unique skin benefits.
I'm hoping to try out some of these products soon--when I do, I'll be sure to report back.
The Depth collection consists of shampoos, conditioners, hand soaps, body wash, hand and body lotions, and shave creams in four exclusive scents: Mangrove Citrus, Sea Berry, Orange Blossom and Bay Coconut.
Hair Care ($9.99 each) - Infused with a unique blend of sea botanicals, certified organic aloe vera and natural emollients, Depth Shampoos and Conditioners are ultra-hydrating, refreshing, and moisturizing.
- Refresh Daily Shampoo – For all hair types. Keeps hair soft, healthy and nourished with a nutrient-rich blend of vitamins and sea botanicals
- Drench Hydrating Shampoo – For dry and damaged hair: Gentle cleansers work to nourish and restore essential moisture, ideal for color treated hair
- Immerse Daily Conditioner – For all hair types. Nutrient-rich to maintain healthy, beautiful hair without weighing it down
- Submerse Deep Conditioner – For dry and damaged hair. This creamy conditioner provides deep nourishment and ultra-hydration for extra healthy hair
Hand & Body Lotions ($9.99 each) - Lightweight and quick absorbing, Depth Hand & Body Lotions are enriched with ultra-hydrating sea botanicals and organic aloe vera to moisturize, soothe and nourish the skin.
Shave Creams ($6.99 each) - As smooth and silky as algae, Depth Shave Creams are enriched with hydrating sea botanicals and natural emollients to provide an effortless glide for a soft, comfortable shave, while an abundance of organic aloe vera moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
What's Your Hair Issue?
We all have strong opinions about our hair. We have to deal with different issues (curls, frizz, limpness, split ends, etc.) and we try lots of products to help us out. Today, I'm taking on three hair issues: curly hair, fine/limp hair, and searching for hair care products on a budget.
CURLY HAIR
If you have naturally (or chemically enhanced!) curly hair, you may want to try out Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding. It helps to transform curls and waves, making them shiny and lovely. The pudding helps to stretch out, soften, and elongate curls without making hair feel crunchy or gross. Curly Pudding smells really good, but there's also an unscented version if the original is a bit too powerful. Curly Pudding comes in three sizes (2 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz) and ranges in price from $7.00 to $38.00. Pick it up online here.
FINE/LIMP HAIR
Dealing with fine hair can be tricky. It's soft and tends to fly away...or it just hangs lifelessly. To boost it up, you may want to consider Phyto's Actif Maximizing Volume Spray. You spray this on your towel-dried hair and then style it as usual. It makes fine hair look plumped up, but--like most volumizers--it does tend to change the texture of your hair. It makes fly aways less of an issue, so hair is easier to style. It also lasts all day long--an added bonus. Phyto products are available at Sephora stores and online.
IF YOU WANT TO SAVE SOME $$$
Sure, the great recession is mostly over, but some of us still want to save a few pennies here and there. And one way is to cheap out on your hair care products. I usually use Matrix shampoo and conditioner that I buy at the salon. It's not the most expensive stuff in the world, but sometimes I just want to be cheap and try something I can pick up at Target.
Lately I've been using Pantene Ice Shine and Suave Humectant products. The one thing I've said over and over about cheaper shampoos is that they lather up beautifully--and I love that! Pantene's products are decent enough. They smell good and leave my hair soft and manageable. The cheaper Suave products are less satisfying. Though they're supposed to help moisturize dry hair, I have not noticed that my hair is more hydrated. I'm also not crazy about the way their products smell...they smell cheap. So--if you want to save money, I'd say stick with Pantene and forgo the Suave.
What hair issues do you have? If you want me to look into anything for you, leave me a comment!
Look Better...Feel Better
Right before Mother's Day, my mother was lamenting her looks. She said she had dark circles under her eyes, her skin wasn't looking great, and her hair seemed dull. It was sad to hear my mom get down on the way she looks, and I knew I had to help her out.
My mom is funny. She won't spend money on herself and wouldn't be open to having me take her over to Sephora to throw down a bunch of money on products. So I did it for her. Here's what I got to help make my momma feel better about her looks:
- Clinique All About Eyes ($28.50): I've been using a sample of this product and I really like it. It's lightweight and good for sensitive skin. Plus it helps depuff and reduce the appearance of fine lines. According to one of the Sephora ladies, you can also use it on your lips. Makes sense, since the skin around our eyes is similar to the delicate, thin skin on our lips.
- Mini Advanced Makeup Optional Kit from Philosophy ($50): This kit includes products for day (Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash, When Hope is Not Enough Facial Serum, and Hope in a Jar SPF 20) and for night (Purity Made Simple face wash, When Hope is Not Enough Facial Serum, and Help Me Retinol Night Treatment). I've used Purity Made Simple for ages and love it. I think Philosophy products are nice--they seem good for sensitive skin, plus they're effective and relatively reasonably priced. The early word from my mom is that she's liking the products, especially the serum. There's also a full-sized version of this kit that sells for just under $100.
- Purple shampoo: My mom has a lot of gray in her hair (she loves her gray!) and to shine it up, I suggested that she should use the same purple shampoo I use for my platinum blonde. She didn't seem interested at first, so I just gave her a sample from my stash. She's used it a few times now--we'll see if I can convert her!
Post Mother Day Makeover Opportunity
Yesterday was Mother's Day here in the good old US. Mother's Day may be done, but there's one more chance for your favorite mom to be pampered. Nexxus and Lock of Love are teaming up to honor Mother/Daughter hair donors with a makeover.
My husband has donated to Locks of Love twice--it's a great organization that's certainly worth supporting. Here are the deets on the contest:
Nexxus and Locks of Love invite Facebook fans to enter the “Mother’s Day Makeover Contest” where they can share their stories about why they or their children want to donate hair to this worthwhile cause. Click here to enter contest – Nexxus and Locks of Love Facebook Contest/Sweeps
Any individual or mother/child pair with at least 10 inches of hair they are willing to donate to Locks of Love can enter. See official rules for further details. Facebook fans will participate in choosing the winners from five finalists.
GRAND PRIZE: The grand prize winners will receive a trip for two to NYC and a styling session with Nexxus celebrity stylist Kevin Mancuso. The hair that’s donated will be sent to Locks of Love on the winner’s behalf.
WHERE/WHEN: Between now and May 25th, Nexxus fans will have the opportunity to enter the “Mother’s Day Makeover Contest.”
Submit Entry for Mother/Daughter Contest:
1. Go to Nexxus and Locks of Love Facebook Contest/Sweeps and click “Like”
2. Click on the “Contest/Sweepstakes” tab
3. Follow the provided instructions
Contest Timeline:
* May 5 to May 25th: Submissions accepted
* May 26th: Top five finalists announced
* May 26th to June 2nd: Fans are able to vote on their favorite submissions
* June 7th: Winners announced
ABOUT NEXXUS: Nexxus Salon Hair Care provides the products and expertise to help women achieve beautiful hair for those moments in life when it matters most.
ABOUT LOCKS OF LOVE: Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.
Beauty Product of the Week: Infinite Volume
What is it? Jonathan Product's Infinite Volume collection will help you "acheive lasting volume and voluptous hair effortlessly. The Shampoo, Conditioner, and Thickening Foam were developed with Jonathan's innovative Expansion Nanotechnology. This Interpenetrating Polymer Network delivery system utilizes chemical and electromagnetic forces to expand and strengthen the hair shaft creating volume from the inside out." The shampoo is $20, the condition is $22 and the thickening foam is $24. The entire collection is available at Ulta and online.
What did you think? Sometimes the ends justifies the means, and if you're a gal with limp hair, you might be willing to put up with a few minor annoyances to get fuller hair. In other words: Infinite Volume works...and works well. However, in my personal opinion, I have some reservations.
Let me say it again: this line will make your hair fuller. It will look thicker.
BUT...I have two issues: packaging and user experience.
Packaging: the products look cool...they really do. The bottles look sleek and modern, but the shampoo and conditioner bottles are identical. When it's early in the morning and you can barely see straight as it is, you want your shampoo and conditioner to be easily identifiable. With Jonathan Product, you really have to pay attention to make sure you're using the right product!
Experience: I like a shampoo that lathers. I know that the lather is not important, but I like it...I want it, and I need it! Jonathan's shampoo is lather-free. There's no lather to speak of and at first I was convinced that I grabbed the conditioner instead of the shampoo (I didn't...but with identical bottles, the doubt lingers).
I have found with ALL products that add volume my hair feels different. It does feel fuller, but it also seems to have a funny texture--almost like it's dirty, though I know it's not. The new texture makes my hair easier to style, but I don't love that feel. That's not a complaint of Jonathan Product specifically--it's just something I've noticed with volumizers.
The final verdict? If your hair is fine or limp and you really want something that will make your hair fuller, this stuff works and I'd recommend it...even though I am not 100% sold.
Bad Hair Days: We ALL Have 'Em
Hmmm....THIS Explains It All!Holy cow. I know that April is fast approaching, but judging from the weather lately, I can't tell if it's Spring, Winter, or Fall. I know for a fact that it's not summer...sadly.
Yesterday was a dozy. Not only was it a Monday, but I had to work late AND we had a rainy/windy/whacky weather day to boot. Add to this combination the fact that I am growing my hair out and have official hit the awkward stage and WHAM! I had the worst hair day in recent memory.
It happens to all of us from time to time, but when you're trying to grow out your locks, it seems as though bad hair days are more frequent and more severe. For me a bad hair day means one side of my hair is curling up, the other side curling down, and everything in between has decided to curl, wave, or part incorrectly. Oh, and my roots are showing and my next hair appointment isn't for weeks.
So I ask you this: How do YOU deal with bad hair days? Do you opt for a hat? A pony tail? Say to hell with it and let your hair do it's own thing (that's my approach)? Or do you do something else entirely? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this, because dealing with bad hair can really put you in a bad mood! Please leave me a comment and let me know your strategy for coping when bad hair happens to good people!
LIFT Beauty Boutique Hair Workshop for Makeup Artists!
Shear Genius Recap!
The Winning Look: Before
The Winning Look: AfterHere's a recap of the show:
For the shortcut challenge the stylists were greeted by Moulay Yacoubi (I'm glad I looked that up because I had no idea what this guy's name was. Thanks, Camila and your crazy accent!), world-class dry cutting instructor. Along with Camila, he informed the stylists that they would be giving various curly-haired models a straight, graduated bob. Now here's one complaint I have about Shear Genius: I am not a stylist. I have no idea if it's hard to cut curly hair into a bob. I don't know why dry cutting is better or worse than cutting wet hair. And I don't understand why one contestant (April) was so offended that she had to cut a graduated bob. WTF? Chill lady...just cut the damn hair.
So the stylists had to dry cut the hair (which is apparently difficult) and they would also have to do the cut on dry hair and to turn in their cutting tools before shampooing and blow-drying. Once again, Matthew and Janine made up the top two with their sleek and sophisticated bobs, and Janine won the challenge. At the bottom sat Brig, who over-cut and under-whelmed with her disjointed haircut, and April, who fought the challenge and the judges every step of the way.
The next day, the stylists met Camila and Orlando in the salon, along with red carpet master stylist Robert Vetica. The elimination challenge would prove to be an emotional one for the contestants and seven army wives whose husbands were currently serving overseas. The goal was to “create 40’s pin-up style using finger waves or pin curl set” and the finished styles would be captured in video messages to their husbands, along with a pinup photo.
Once the photo shoot was over, the judging began. At the bottom sat a nervous Janine, whose original hairstyle plan was ruined by poor time management; Amy, who seemed to lack the reference point for a true 40’s hairstyle; and April, whose vision seemed spot on, but whose finished product was less than complete. In the end, Amy’s lack of knowledge sent her home. At the top sat Matthew, whose striking 40’s vintage hairstyle transformed his client into a true pinup starlet – but, perhaps to his own surprise, he was knocked off of the winner’s pedestal by Brig, whose spun-gold color and ambitious, pin-up look won the day.
This challenge was so-so for me. I loved the idea of a pin-up challenge, but I felt a little bad for the women who had to get all done up in a way that was not natural to them and then to shot a video for their husband while being filmed and while having their hairstyles judged. It seemed a little awkward.
Anyway...here's how to get Brig's winning look. The tips, as always, come from Nexxus Creative Director Kevin Mancuso.
Go retro with finger waves and curls for a fun and flirty “pin-up worthy” style!
- Apply a styling gel, like Nexxus Exxtra Gel, to damp hair and distribute evenly to the ends.
- Blow dry with a smaller-sized round brush, concentrating on smoothing the ends.
- Use a medium-size iron to create curls and then clip each into place with a bobbi pin to hold shape.
- Once curls are completely cool, remove bobbi pins and use fingers to tousle and style into a retro shape that frames the face.
- Finish the look with a misting of light-hold hairspray, like Nexxus Comb Thru, to help hold the style
Shear Genius, Episode 2
Time for another Shear Genius recap!
So the second episode aired on Wednesday and I must admit, I am still not wild about the new host. Through no fault of her own, she's going to be compared to former host Jaclyn Smith and the comparison doesn't pan out in her favor. The new host (Camila Alves) just doesn't have the charm, the warmth, or the polish of Jaclyn. *Sigh.*
I'm also still getting used to the contestants, though in a week or two I'm sure I'll find people to root for. It takes so time to get used to people and learn to like them (or hate them!)
So for the second episode, the contestants gathered to learn their short cut challenge but were surprised to learn that Giacomo wanted to go home to be with his family. Ok, fine. You're not cut out for this type of thing, so adios Giacomo!
For the shortcut challenge, “Color, Repair & Style,” Kim Vo produced 10 “blondorexic” clients, whose tresses were in dire need of repair. I must say that as a girl with platinum blonde hair, I as a bit annoyed with the challenge. Platinum blonde can be done in a way that keep the hair healthy. Not everyone with platinum locks is "blondorexic" and not every blonde has to change to darker color to look better. Whatevs.
During model selection, Matthew and Brig (the yellow-haired girl who wears unfortunate gold lame bathing suits, and huge bows) were last to pick from heads of over-processed and unnatural locks. Brig, holder of the last pick, managed to trick Matthew into thinking that she wanted the challenge of reviving the most damaged hair of all. Matthew took the bait and the client, much to Brig’s satisfaction. In the end, however, Brig underestimated Matthew’s color talent, and his total transformation of his client garnered him the shortcut win and an edge at the elimination challenge. (Cue evil laugh.) Adee, April and Brian, whose model had to endure bleach in her eye and an unfinished style, made up the bottom three.
For the elimination challenge, the contestants headed to the famed Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where their challenge was to create
a style for a server that was inspired by a single dish from the Dakota Restaurant’s new menu. Back at the Nexxus Salon, the stylists went in many different directions, from literal translations of their dish featuring props and color, to more subdued offerings. In the end, the judges rewarded Jon for his polished take on seared scallops, while Arzo’s aimless vision of Tuna Tatake fell flat and prompted her elimination. The challenge was a bit odd, but the winning look was lovely and I can't complain with Arzo's tuna-haired flop ending up as the big loser.
Before
AfterThis week’s “how to get the look”
Have fun with your hair by taking inspiration from things outside the norm, like an artistically sculpted appetizer. For a yummy style like last night’s winning look, try adding a bright accessory to an ordinary up-do. With this look, you are sure to be the dish du jour.
- Shampoo and condition with hydrating products, such as Nexxus Therappe and Nexxus Humectress.
- To create supple texture, apply a mousse, like Nexxus Gorgeous Curls, onto damp hair, then blow-dry, paying special attention to smooth the top section of hair.
- Once dry, pull hair back into high ponytail and curl random sections with a small barrel iron.
- Use bobbi pins to secure individual curls around the ponytail into an artful up-do.
- Help prevent flyaways and maintain the style with a light misting of hairspray, like Nexxus Comb Thru.
- Finish the look by pinning an elegant accessory, such as a flower, to one side of the up-do, or several flowers in between the curls.
Valentine's Day Deals for You (and you hair!)
Here's a quick deal for today: If you need/want to get new hair brushes, you can get a great deal over at Brush Love. Between now and Monday, you can get 50% off of everything (except the Mason Pearson brand of products) by entering the code "luv50" at checkout.
I've reviewed Brush Love products in the past--they're very good quality and are very affordable, so I encourage you to get shopping. Remember: The deal ends on the 15th.
Happy Valentine's Day!
The Hana Elite Gives Back To Haiti
My New Do!
UPDATE: I forgot to mention I got rid of the awful caramel highlights in my hair and went back to good ol' black brown. :)
Hair Inspiration?
Hairy Situation, Part 2
Yesterday it was Mo'Nique and her hairy legs. Today it's a whole other hairy situation...and I totally need your help. Actually, my mom needs your help.
My mother went to get her hair cut the other day and was told by two stylists at the salon that her hair had a noticeable green cast to it. I can't see it, but I'm in no way a hair pro. Anyway, here's the deal. My mother has salt and pepper hair (that's more salt than pepper these days). She has never dyed her hair in her life (can you imagine that?). She doesn't swim. The water in her house is not overly chlorinated. She does take some medicines, but I am not entirely sure what she takes. She uses drug store brand hair products like Pantene and Head and Shoulders.
So here's what I need help with:
- Have you ever heard anything like this before?
- What do you think could be the cause of the green tint?
- What do you think could be used to reverse this?
Healthy Skin and Hair in '10!
It's time to start making dreaded New Year's resolutions. Instead of saying you're going to exercise every single day for at least 2 hours or resolving to never eat sugar, do yourself a favor and keep your resolutions simple and do-able. Here's a suggestion: resolve to take better care of your skin and hair, especially during the harsh Winter months.
Skin and hair can become increasingly dull and damaged during the winter season, but with help from Olay and Pantene Pro-V, you can revive and strengthen your cold weather defense. Both skin and hair have protective moisture barriers, and when exposed to drying elements.
New Olay Body Quench Advanced Healing Body Lotion and Pantene Pro-V Time Renewal products start at the core of dryness to repair and strengthen this barrier for a soft, smooth look and feel-just in time when we need it most!
Here's a preview of the new offerings from Olay and Pantene. I'll let you know how I do with these products after I give them time to work:
Olay Body Quench Advanced Healing Body Lotion provides an immediate burst of intense moisture that continues for 24 hours, and helps heal skin’s moisture barrier over time to prevent dry skin from coming back. In fact, no leading brand is clinically proven to heal/relieve dry skin better.
Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Time Renewal Shampoo gently cleanses hair with a rich and creamy lather to remove build-up and impurities.
Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Time Renewal Conditioner helps restore shine and smoothness to damaged hair, leaving hair looking and feeling healthy. When used with the shampoo, these products promise to provide damage protection that leading salon brands can’t beat!
Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Time Renewal Mask deeply penetrates hair to help restore moisture and give hair a more youthful appearance. The great thing about these Pantene products is that if you’re not satisfied, Pantene will actually switch you back to your old product, even if it’s a salon brand. Find our more details by visiting Pantene.com.
I'm not a big fan of resolution-making, but taking better care of my skin and hair are easy enough to do. As I said, I'll let you know how these products fair. In the meantime, if YOU have any resolutions for the new year and the new decade, leave me a comment and tell me about it!
At Home Spa Tips for Skin, Hair and Nails
If only we all had the time and budget to indulge in the luxury and relaxation that going to a spa offers. Spending four figures on a full day of beauty treatments may not be realistic for most of us, but sometimes, a few truly pampering at home tricks can be even better. After all… the service is free and you don’t have to go anywhere!
Skin
Dr. Nina Naidu, board certified plastic surgeon and founder of Anokha, says that she frequently uses the home remedies that her mother taught her, many of which provided the impetus behind her South-Asian-inspired product line. “I raid the dairy aisle for some of the best fresh skincare treats imaginable,” says Dr. Naidu. Some of her favorite skin treatments come from the kitchen:
- There is truly nothing more luxurious than cold yogurt for the face. It is an excellent cleanser that will not rob skin of its natural moisture and it will not irritate sensitive skin. Both milk and heavy cream also make great non-stripping cleansers for the face as well.
- Milk baths are an indulgence that everyone should be enjoying. Just pour a cup right into your bath water and let the milk proteins work their magic.
- Put one to two drops of pure almond oil in water for a fantastic non-comedogenic moisturizer.
- My favorite simple yet incredibly luxurious toner is easy to make by boiling a few rose petals in water. Next time someone sends you flowers, snip a few petals for your at-home spa needs!
Hair “There are many wonderful essential oils for the scalp that we use for so many purposes from adding luster and shine, to fortifying the scalp and hair, to offering astringent or anti-bacterial properties,” says Dickey, celebrity hair stylist & founder of Hair Rules. “That’s why we offer several special essential oil “Ting” treatments at the salon for the hair and scalp. Here are a few of Dickey’s favorite essential oils for at home hair and scalp spa treatments:
- Almond oil is a wonderful moisturizer and scalp soother. Not only does it contain protein and important minerals, but it acts like you own sebum, encouraging moisture retention.
- Eucalyptus oil has significant antiseptic and anti-bacterial qualities. Its active germicidal agents prevent infection, and it leaves your scalp feeling cool, tingly and soothed.
- Comfrey is a powerful healing herb. It can aid in destroying bacteria and healing cuts and abrasions. It contains a natural hormone called allantoin which is known for its cell-restorative properties and may also serve as a natural retardant for hair loss.
Nails “Nail and hand care needs always make for perfect at-home spa treatments,” says Shari Gottesman, founder of Perfect Formula. “It is so easy to do things to care for these workhorse body parts that are inexpensive, effective and incredibly pampering all at the same time.” Shari’s top at-home spa tips for hands and nails:
- Drop your bottle of cuticle oil into a glass of hot water for a few minutes before applying to maximize penetration and effectiveness. It’s the cuticle version of a hot oil treatment!
- Nothing beats a warm foot soak with some Epsom salt. It is such a great thing to do for foot health, and it makes it so much easier to buff away the dead skin. Epsom salt is detoxifying, it soothes aches, reduces swelling and is exfoliating. It is literally the perfect gift for tired, unhappy feet!
- Mix some olive oil and sugar for a luxurious and wholesome DIY exfoliating hand treatment.
