Hair Care Friday: Surya Brasil Henna Cream (RAVE review)

Whoo! What a week! I finally realized that I have completely overextended myself this summer. And it only took me two months to figure it out! I’m going to be taking a break – probably for the rest of the summer – so I can get a handle on everything that’s going on. Which means this will be the last Hair Care Friday for quite a while.

Not to worry, though, it’s a good one. A really good one. From Surya Brasil.

Henna Cream ("Burgundy")

Blurb: It colors without damaging the hair structure. It is the only hair coloring product with organic extracts that treat the hair and scalp. It conditions, moisturizes and revitalizes the hair while coloring, leaving it much softer and shinier. Instead of using synthetic fragrances, Surya Henna Cream is formulated with essential oils of Rose, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine and Sandalwood. These give it a milder and more pleasant fragrance than any other coloring product. Since Surya Henna Cream is a semi-permanent coloring, it gradually washes out. Available in 15 different shades. Contains no Parabens, Peroxide, Ammonia, Heavy Metals, PPD, Resorcinol, artificial colors or synthetic fragrance. Therefore doesn’t harm your hair, your health or the environment.

This is exactly the sort of product that makes me glad I’m a beauty blogger!

When my friend (Kristi) was visiting last weekend, I was telling her that I was thinking of switching to a semi-permanent hair color. My hair is getting really long now, and I’m doing everything in my power to keep it healthy. Since my roots show long before my color fades, it seemed reasonable that a semi-permanent product might be a little bit gentler. Kristi suggested I try henna.

Henna? For some reason, I always assumed that if hair color wasn’t chock full of harsh chemicals, it wouldn’t work. Henna just seemed too…mild. But Kristi told me she knew of someone who got great results, so I decided to give it a try. I trotted off to Whole Foods and asked the nice salesperson for her opinion and she recommended this Henna Cream. I actually tried to talk her into talking me into something else (how’s that for being a control freak); but she stood firm. So I brought a box home.

Cue angelic chorus.

This product is a revelation. For those of you who already use henna, all you need to know is that there's no mess or mixing. It comes pre-mixed, in a convenient, resealable bottle with plastic gloves and a plastic head covering.

Henna works by coating the hair shaft instead of penetrating it. Therefore, the hair shaft and cuticle are left intact and undamaged. For those of you who have not used henna, the process is simple. Wash hair (Use a silicone-free shampoo to remove any product buildup). Towel dry. Put on gloves, open the bottle and start applying the goo to your hair. I just globbed it on until everything was covered. Don’t comb through it, though. You want the color to sit on the hair shaft. Cover your head with the plastic cap (I used my own shower cap instead), and wait. The package has all sorts of complicated suggestions for figuring out how much time to wait; but I ignored them and left the color on for 45 minutes. Then I rinsed completely. The package says it’s ok to use conditioner after rinsing, but I wanted to see what it would look/feel like without conditioner.

Wow! This stuff is actually good for your hair! My hair was softer, smoother and shinier right out of the shower. It looked and felt better than before I’d colored it, and it still felt soft the next morning. It’s been a few days, and my hair still looks and feels great. The color is beautiful and natural (not flat) and the grey is completely covered.

I’m totally sold. Forever.

The only drawbacks I found were that the color still runs off a bit in the shower even after a few days; and I’ve heard that henna doesn’t last as long as “regular” color. But who cares? I can touch up as often as needed now. No more choosing between roots and damage!

A couple of tips. You should not use henna in conjunction with other types of hair color. And your shampoo and conditioner should be free of sulfates. Before coloring, it’s also a good idea to apply lotion to the skin around your hairline (and ears) to prevent staining.

Check out the website, take a look at the other products and visit the where to buy section. Surya is also sold at health websites, vitamin stores, health food stores and Whole Foods.

Have a great weekend!

(ftc disclosure: purchased myself)

Happy Hair Care Friday! Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion (review)

Grrr…I just realized that my Friday post mysteriously “disappeared” yesterday. Google is really getting on my nerves lately. Just sayin. Luckily, I still had a copy of my post in a Word document, so I’m putting it back up this morning.

Its…Friday!!! My friend is coming to visit, and the weekend is going to be full of sleeping in, mall browsing, Harry Potter, and girl talk. Tomorrow is going to be fun and long; so I’m featuring a fab hair care product to keep everything in place and looking good. From Motions.

Foaming Wrap Lotion


Blurb: Get naturally beautiful control without stiffness using Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion. Holds hair in place and helps it stretch as it dries for a beautifully soft style all day long. Will not stick to irons. Collagen amino acids provide flexible hold and control while Panthenol adds shine. The long-lasting formula holds wraps, wet sets and thermal styles yet combs out easily. You get natural-looking style that leaves hair soft and shiny. Can be used for wrapping hair, wet sets, blow drying, and up dos.

This is a good hair day in a bottle. It’s recommended for fine hair, but it’s been wonderful on my coarse wavy/curly hair. Since I started growing my hair out last year, I’ve only been getting the ends trimmed. So without any layers, my hair tends to get a little bit flat – especially since the top layer of my hair is straighter than the hair underneath.

This product worked wonders as a volumizer – the volume even lasted until the next day! I also got great curl definition, including more curl on the top layer. It also fought frizz, and added some shine without making my hair sticky or crunchy. Excellent!

Check out the website. I recommend visiting find your style section and the product advisor page. Motions products can be found at places like Sally Beauty, Target, drugstore.com, grocery stores and drug stores.

It took every ounce of self control not to go all disco for Friday. But I controlled myself. Here’s something peppy, but completely disco free.



(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

It’s A Tuesday Kind of Day: Lierac Sensorielle Multi-Use Oil (review)

Meaning…"It’s only Tuesday?"

It was so hot last night that I had to sleep on the sofa. The regular AC in my bedroom just wasn’t enough to cool things off. So I moved to the living room. The thermostat on my industrial strength living room AC no longer works – which causes a continuous, chilling, arctic blast. It’s awesome.

For all of my friends who still live in San Francisco: ”AC” stands for “Air Conditioner” - something I never owned until I moved east. San Francisco is freezing cold in July. Tonight, it’s about 87 degrees here in the Philly ‘burbs. Tonight’s temperature in San Francisco is a right and proper 52 degrees…sigh.

Anyway…everyone here has been all draggy and droopy for the last couple of days and the week seems endless. So maybe instead of being all whiny, I should talk about something nice and pretty. Perhaps something that smells good and makes my skin feel soft and smooth. Perhaps something from Lierac Paris.

Sensorielle Multi-Use Oil for Face, Body & Hair


Blurb: This luxurious polysensory oil provides 24-hour hydration that nourishes and softens the skin and hair with a combination of jasmine, camellia, gardenia and four precious botanical oils: argan, hazelnut, sweet almond, and grape seed.

Here’s another fine product for summer. I was worried that this would be too heavy for the hot weather; but it’s a perfect weight. This oil has a light consistency, and absorbs very quickly into both skin and hair. It also has a very subtle, lovely fragrance (a nice balance of earthy and floral). And the multi-use aspect is fabulous for long days when you don’t want to lug a bunch of products around with you.

By multi-use, I really mean multi-use. I patted some on my hair in the afternoon, and it tamed my midday frizz and flyaways. I also rubbed a little bit more in my hair before I went into the pool to help protect it from the chlorine. As a quick hydrator for my face, it also worked very well.

My favorite use for this, though, was as a body oil. Even though it absorbed quickly (my hands were “slip-free”); it softened for hours. It was a soothing, fragrant bath oil, and an excellent pampering after-bath moisturizer.

Browse all the fab products on the website. See what's new, check out the promotions page and use the store locator. Lierac is also available in European Skincare Centers (at select CVS/pharmacy and Duane Reade locations), Beauty.com, and Skinstore.com.

To balance out yesterday’s ramped-up mod Monday experience; here’s a thoughtful (perhaps...moody?) Tuesday kind of thing…



(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Pretend Hair Care Friday! Salerm Hi Repair Mask (review)

Yup – it isn’t Friday either. But that doesn’t mean I would just randomly skip my weekly hair care item! Nope. It’s a few days late, but it’s here. Something from Salerm.

Hi Repair Mask

Blurb: Hair is restored from root to tip, without leaving a greasy residue. Protects against hair aging caused by chemical or natural processes. Patented molecule made up of a fast acting silk-silicon-alkali, which restructures the hair deep down.

As my hair gets longer, conditioning becomes even more important. I also color my hair, so that’s another level of conditioning need. I’m always on the lookout for new conditioning products; and lately, I’ve really been appreciating what I call “mini-masks.” They’re halfway between daily conditioner and overnight treatments. About two mornings each week; I saturate my hair, wrap it in a towel for about 3-5 minutes, then rinse.

I gave this Mask a try, and thought it did an excellent job. I didn’t even need to comb it through my hair; and when I rinsed, my hair was silky and tangle-free. I let my hair air dry, and was thrilled at how soft and shiny it was. I only needed a tiny bit of leave-in (to control fly-aways), and I was good to go. I had soft, pretty hair all day long; and by evening it still looked great.

Visit the website and take a look at the giant selection of products. There’s a what's new section, and an online catalogue that even includes salon furniture.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Hair Care Friday…Saturday Version: Rusk Deepshine Oil Protective Treatment (review)

Yes, this week Hair Care Friday falls on a Saturday. Mainly because I spent most of last night fiddling around with a dessert idea that just didn’t work. But I did learn two valuable lessons. First, don’t wait until the last minute to try out your new dessert idea. And second, whipped cream collapses and turns to runny goo in 90+ degree weather.

Earlier in the week I also learned that it’s a terrible idea to try out a new hair coloring product the day before an event. On the bright side, I learned how to fix said problem with the help of a fine product. From Rusk.

Deepshine Oil Protective Treatment

Blurb: A marine mineral-enriched argan oil treatment that smoothes the cuticle, eliminates frizz, and improves elasticity and hydration, leaving hair soft, silky and manageable. Deepshine Oil is perfect for all hair types. Deepshine Oil smooths the cuticle, eliminates frizz, and imparts incredible shine and condition. This lightweight, alcohol-free formula imparts brilliant shine, while advanced marine therapy infuses the hair with superior condition, renewing the natural integrity of the hair. Used as a styling or finishing product, Deepshine Oil helps seal the cuticle, prevent color fading with subsequent shampoos, and protect against damage caused by chemicals, excessive heat from thermal styling, and environmental factors.

Short version: This Treatment saved my hairdo!

I tried out a temporary color product that a friend of mine had been raving about. I was going somewhere, and I wanted to do something fun…but temporary. Well, the color was cute (and temporary), but it completely dried out my hair. I was appalled…and kind of peeved at my friend.

Luckily, I had a bottle of this Treatment that I’d been waiting to try out. It claimed to smooth the cuticle, and add lots of shine and conditioning. I gave it a try. I smoothed it in my damp hair, then gently combed it through. And…my hair was fixed. Totally and completely fixed. Instead of colored straw, I had colored hair. It was shiny, pretty and the curls came back. Whew!

Even better, my hair felt soft and pretty all night. Thank you, Rusk!

I chucked out my friend’s “suggestion,” but I’m going to keep this Treatment for use after I do my regular coloring. It says that it’s also great for use during the coloring process. I believe it!

The website has the entire Deepshine collection. You can also check out the fashion, culture, and attitude pages. Deepshine is available at leading salons (including ULTA) and online at Stylesource.com.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Almost Back: Bigen Sweepstakes!

Wow – Spring is full of fab giveaways. Check out this one from Bigen…

Win a Trip to NYC with the “Bigen Big Apple” Sweepstakes

Start Spreading the News – Bigen, experts in brilliant, rich, salon quality hair color, are offering the chance to win big with the “Bigen Big Apple” sweepstakes! The lucky winner will choose one of the four fabulous NYC prize packages listed below including hotel and travel accommodations for two:

· Rock out with tickets to Broadway smash Rock of Ages
· Dance the night away at the hottest concert of the summer
· Cheer for one of New York’s baseball teams at their new stadium
· View world-class works of art on a museum tour

Simply “Like” Bigen on Facebook and follow the “Bigen Big Apple” sweepstakes instructions to enter – click HERE to get started!

Sold in 70 countries worldwide, Bigen is the #1 selling permanent powder hair color. Regardless of natural color, texture, condition or length, Bigen produces optimum darkening results and offers gentle formula and salon quality color.

While I’m Away: LUSH Graduation Gifts & NEW Dirty Collection

Oh LUSH! How you tempt me with your…tempting…temptations!

Ahem. Okay, just check out the gorgeous stuff…

Graduation Gifts from LUSH!

Shower Me With LUSH: College dorms do not come equipped with baths, so give her this beautiful reusable hat box (great for storage when empty) filled with 10 shower power products.

Celebrate: Celebrate is a bright 'n bouncy bunch of reviving body treats to help her celebrate whatever needs celebrating and recover afterwards. It's got an uplifting grapefruit shower gel, zesty soaps to perk her up and a massage bar to give her a really good boost of vitamins (and a bit of sunshine).

Happy Gift: Get happy with a septuplet of cheery products embedded with good mood potential - scented of grapefruit, mandarin, lemon and bergamot which are all shown to improve mood naturally. If she’s feeling down about the big changes ahead, this will wash her cares away!

Sweet & Dreamy: Our Sweet and Dreamy Gift has a plethora of the creamiest and dreamiest of bath treats, soaps, moisturizers and massage bars to soak, scrub, slather and stroke her anxiety away with blends of calming lavender, honey, chamomile and vanilla.

You’re a Star: Everyone from Halle Berry and Angelina Jolie to Lindsay Lohan and Madonna has admitted to loving LUSH! Every item in the box has been selected by an A-list celebrity, You're A Star box is a collection of their choices to help her feel like the star she is!

LUSH Legends: Show her your pride by giving her this shiny gold hat box filled with LUSH’s best-selling products. Face, feet, hands and everything in between, this gift will have her beauty needs covered from head to toe.

Get Dirty with LUSH!

For people who care about their appearance but can’t be bothered with too much paraphernalia in the mornings, the NEW “Dirty” collection is a no-nonsense fragrance that hits you with intensely crisp spearmint, thyme and tarragon, and the subtle smell of calm seas.

Dirty takes the common idea of ‘layering’ with beauty products a little bit further. Normally, grooming products will all have a different scent. However, this new concept of layering means you can shower in invigorating spearmint and thyme, shave with soothing lavender and sandalwood, and style hair with tarragon and oak moss. Once all of these products with their individual fragrances have been used, the combined scent will be that of Dirty, and can be topped off with the body spray, which contains all those main notes.

Dirty Spring Wash Shower: Don’t be a dirty rotten scoundrel. Recreate your very own mountain spring and wash with this tingly, softening, minty shower gel that contains spearmint, thyme, and sea salt.

Dirty Shaving Cream: Shave it all off using our ultra-softening oats and benzoin shaving cream. There’s also lavender and sandalwood in there to soothe any irritations.

Dirty Hair Gel: Refresh your coif with our conditioning and softening, firm hold styling product. Made with fair trade coconut oil, linseed gel and balm herb infusion for the perfect just-got-out-of bed style.

Dirty Body Spray: If you don’t have the time for a full-on Dirty routine in the morning, take a quickie instead and spritz yourself liberally with this body spray before you head out the door. No one will ever know.

While I’m Away: Samy Fat Foam Wins a CEW Beauty Award!

I love this hair color! After trying it once, I switched over, and I’ve been glad ever since. I’m not one bit surprised it won a CEW Award.

Samy Fat Foam Wins a CEW Beauty Award!

While I’m Away: New! Lierac Multi-Use Sensorielle Oil

Check out the newest launch from Lierac Paris. A new multi-use oil for hair, face and body…

A Memorial Day Must-Have!
New! Multi-Use Sensorielle Oil With Gardenia, Jasmine, Camellia

As we gear up for the long weekend, there's only one new product we're packing in our tote bag! New! Lierac Paris Sensorielle Oil is formulated with gardenia, jasmine and camellia PLUS 4 botanical oils: argan, sweet almond oil, grapeseed and hazelnut. This multi-use oil may be used on the hair, face and body. Apply it anytime for 24-HOUR hydration.

Lierac Tip!
Apply oil to the body before taking a bath for added protection. OR add to bath water to create a delicious, aromatic bath water.

Available now at http://www.lierac-usa.com, Select Healthy Skincare Centers at: CVS/pharmacy, and Look Boutiques at Duane Reade pharmacy. Also available online at http://www.beauty.com, and http://www.skinstore.com.

While I’m Away: Total Keratin Obsession (TKO) from Andre Walker on Oprah

I still can’t believe there’s no more Oprah! Sigh. The last season was really special – and this product must be really special. Take a look…

Americas Most Beloved T.V. Host, Oprah Winfrey,
Features Longtime Stylist, Andre Walker And Andre Walker Hair Care

Shares with Audience the Secret to Million Dollar Tresses

As her famous daytime television talk show draws to a close, Oprah Winfrey gives her audience a glimpse of the glitz and glam of being the most famous woman in the world. In the May 12th “Make-Over Episode,” Oprah welcomes Andre Walker, seven-time Emmy award winning stylist and the only man she allows to shape her perfectly coiffed tresses, to present his latest introductions of the Andre Walker hair care line to her audience members.

Oprah gave her loyal audience a sneak peek into how she keeps her hair perfectly hydrated and healthy with Walker’s newest product from his Andre Walker Hair line, Total Keratin Obsession (TKO) Deep Conditioning Treatment, an extreme moisture hair repair treatment with intracellular proteins to help protect, restore and repair hair.

Each audience member received packages of TKO, which helps fights environmental, heat and color damage through its unique formulation of olive oil, aloe, Moroccan argan oil and Keratin. Audience members also walked home with gift certificates to purchase additional products from the Andre Walker hair care line at www.AndreWalkerHair.com.

Total Keratin Obsession (TKO) Deep Conditioning treatment retails for $15 for individual packs (2 treatments) or for $29 for 3 packs (6 treatments). It is available now at www.AndreWalkerHair.com or on HSN beginning June 6, 2011. Each individual two-ounce package yields three applications for short hair and two applications for medium to long hair.

Getting Started: Abigail Breslin, Warren Tricomi and KeSARI

Abigail Breslin has grown way up since Little Miss Sunshine! Check out her new sleek platinum style…

Abigail Breslin’s Platinum New Look
For Her Premiere Of Janie Jones At Tribeca Film Festival In New York

How To Get The Look: Start by applying Warren-Tricomi Style Mousse at the roots throughout the hair. Using a round brush, blow-dry the hair away from the face and use a straightening iron to ensure that it is straight. Then, style the hair by hand raking the hair into a pompadour securing with pins, and pull the hair into a tight ponytail. For added shine and to smooth hair out and remove fly-aways apply KeSARI Indian Oil Hair Serum with Triphala Radiance™ Silk Complex . Split the ponytail, pulling the pieces in front to add an edge to the style.

Products: KeSARI Indian Oil Hair Serum with Triphala Radiance™ Silk Complex ($26.50,HSN.com) Warren-Tricomi Style Mousse ($17.00, FOLICA.COM)

Hair Care Friday: Keratin Complex Straight Day Styling Spray (review)

I'm ending this week with another fabulous and portable item. From Keratin Complex.

Straight Day Styling Spray

Blurb: A superior daily treatment that moisturizes and protects all hair types. When used with the Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy treatment, Straight Day replenishes the hair’s existing keratin bonds to enhance treatment results while increasing shine and softness. On wet or dry hair, this hydrating spray smoothes, reduces flyaways and tames unwanted frizz. The unique anti-humectant formula locks moisture in and humidity out, so hair stays silky and frizz-free throughout the day. UV filters block damaging UV rays and keep hair protected from the drying effects of the sun. Plus, Straight Day Styling Spray is a convenient and easy way to refresh dry, unruly hair when travelling or on-the-go. Straight Day Styling Spray can be used alone or in conjunction with any Keratin Complex products for the ultimate in smooth, shiny and healthy hair.

This is another one of those super handy, effective products that I want to keep with me at all times. The slim 2oz. bottle fits just about anywhere, and the formula is all around excellent.

I first tried it on wet hair before going out. It did a good job of hydrating and smoothing, and it did an amazing job of controlling frizz and flyaways. It felt completely weightless, and it worked. I went dancing in a hot club, and my hair stayed frizz-free. No post-dancing halo!

This week I carried it in my purse for mid-day/late-day touch ups. Loved it! A little spritz here and there, and my hair looked all refreshed and perky again. In addition to the moisturizing, frizz-control and style refreshing; it also has UV filters – awesome! I’m bringing this to every outdoor picnic and barbecue this summer.

Visit the website and take a look at the entire collection. Check out the online specials, ask the Keragirls or find a salon. Keratin Complex can also be found at sleekhair.com.

Have a great weekend!

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Giveaway Winner! Conair You Style™ 2in1 Brush and Pro 2-inch Spin Air Brush

Congratulations to Judy B. – the winner of my Conair giveaway!

You’ll be receiving a You Style™ 2in1 Brush

and…

a Pro 2-inch Spin Air Brush

I really liked using both of these (especially the Spin Air Brush – check out my review).

Thanks to everyone who entered, and special thanks to the folks at Conair for partnering with me!

Hair Care Friday…um…Saturday: LUSH Godiva Shampoo Bar & Retread Conditioner (review)

Sorry I'm a day behind – for some reason Google Blogger was down every time I wanted to post. It was kind of annoying, but pretty mild for Friday the 13th.

Anyway, I’m going to get right to it. I have some thoroughly fab haircare from the folks at LUSH.

Godiva Shampoo Bar

Blurb: Give your hair the moisturizing boost it needs with softening, conditioning butters. Your hair will be left so beautiful no one would notice you were riding the streets naked. It's a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner that's now completely vegan. It creates a richer feel to the lather when you wash your hair. Smoothing, shine inducing camellia oil makes hair manageable.

Retread Conditioner

Blurb: Triple strength conditioner for extra softness. As with so many LUSH products, Retread appears to resemble a cholesterol-laden pudding. It is scented with violets and oranges with a hint of sensual musk. Retread is a super-smoothing cream with seaweed, yoghurt, cantaloupe melon and jojoba oil to give seriously sad hair its shine back. Use it when your hair is feeling rough, harsh and wrecked. Retread will restore its sanity and get it under control.

In the interest of honest blogging, I need to disclose that I love LUSH. I love the whole bohemian vibe. And I especially love a big earth-friendly company that produces quality handmade products in small batches. But even if you didn’t know about the whole bohemian, earth-friendly, handmade thing; once you set foot in a LUSH store, you’d be in love too. Everything I’ve ever tried has been a pampering, yummy and/or thoroughly sensual experience. Including these two items.

First…the Shampoo Bar. It smells incredible. Really. I’m used to things from LUSH smelling great, but this was an amazing scent. When I washed my hair at the gym, I overheard someone else remark on the great smell. This happened twice in about 15 minutes. It also cleaned my hair well with a nice conditioning lather, but I barely noticed. I was swooning over the fragrance.

The conditioner has a much less pronounced fragrance (and it’s kind of unusual); but it may be my curls’ new best friend. It’s sulfate free, so it had relatively little slip when I applied it (it detangled well, though). And after I rinsed and dried my hair, it was noticeably softer and my curls sprang to life. There was a definite lack of frizz, yet my hair had more volume. I’ve never come across a conditioner like this, and it’s absolutely awesome!

Right now, I’m eyeing the Flying Fox Shower Gel, so I’m planning to wander over to a LUSH store and check it out as soon as I get the chance. If you don’t live near a LUSH store, check out the website. See what’s new, then sign up to receive a catalogue. And don’t leave before visiting the Retro section (a selection of specially recreated products from LUSH’s past).

And since we’re being all bohemian and happy, here’s an extra treat for your weekend. Enjoy this brilliant little spoof!



(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Doubles (Hair Care) Friday #2: Salerm ProLine Lamilux (review)

My second “doubles” post features a great little gem I just tried. From Salerm.

ProLine Lamilux

Blurb: Provides sheen and moisturizes after styling. A hydrating formula that gives already styled hair a boost of sheen. Can also be used as a detangler on damp hair for easier styling. Doesn’t leave a greasy residue.

Salerm (based in Spain) provides products to both regular consumers and hair care professionals. They have hair care, treatments, color products as well as salon beauty items.

I call Lamilux a gem because it turned out to be a fabulous, easy, quick and thoroughly effective styling product. When I sprayed it on wet hair as leave-in and let my hair air dry; I got pretty, soft, beachy waves. I combed it through my hair before blow drying, and got a very shiny, smooth blowout. One day I took it with me to work, and spritzed some on in the late afternoon to refresh my wilting hairdo. It worked well every time, there was no crunchiness or oiliness; and I got plenty of softness and shine.

Visit the U.S. website (unless you’re Spanish) and check out the huge array of products. There’s a what's new section, and I had a great time browsing their online catalogue (which even includes salon furniture).

Here’s my last video for Doubles Week. Even though Tracy and Hepburn definitely qualify as a super all time famous duo; you’ll probably think this is an unexpected choice. But I’m feeling sentimental, and this scene always gets me. For those who have never seen this movie, it was made during a time when discussing intermarriage in a mainstream movie was considered ground breaking – so some of the ideas will seem incredibly out of date. But Spencer Tracy’s words about love, and the tears sparkling in Katherine Hepburn’s eyes are timeless. This isn’t your typical romantic tearjerker, but I lose it every time. Grab a hanky and enjoy. :)



(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

Doubles (Hair Care) Friday #1: Conair You Style™ 2in1 Brush & Pro 2-inch Spin Air Brush (review & GIVEAWAY!)

Time for a May Giveaway! In honor of Doubles Week, I’m reviewing and giving away two fab hair care tools. From Conair.

You Style™ 2in1 Brush

Blurb: New Technology...The Conair You Style™ brush is actually two brushes in one. Start with a flat brush for everyday brushing. Use for blow-dry styling to straighten and smooth hair. Slide the button and collapse the sides to convert to a rounded brush. Get added lift at roots. Create soft waves or finish ends to curl under or flip up. Go from style to finish!

Pro 2-inch Spin Air Brush

Blurb: Releases up to 100X more concentrated ions than ions created from natural sources, to help reduce frizz and enhance shine! Volumizes and shines as you dry. Ceramic technology safely dries and promotes healthy hair. Faster, smoother hair, less frizz. 2 heat settings plus cool setting for all hair types. Multidirectional brush rotates in both directions to volumize and shine.

Conair has really got some fine items. The You Style Brush is a great idea. I found it very easy to use (and appreciated the boar/nylon bristle combo). And it really did go from flat to round brush with just a simple push of a button. A great way to avoid having (or travelling with) two brushes. Nicely done!

I was most eager to try the Spin Air Brush; but I had to wait until all of the holiday hoopla was over so I could have time to play with it. And play with it I did! It was like having a new toy (a toy that gave me pretty hair). I tried using it with both wet and damp hair, and found it worked much better with damp hair.

This item gets tons of points for being user-friendly. After about 2 minutes I was familiar with the buttons; and after another 5 minutes, I felt perfectly at ease using them. There are three heat settings (high, low and cool), and you can control the spin function with the touch of a finger. What I especially love is that you can spin the brush in either direction, and quickly stop the spinning just by letting go! The bristles are soft, but grabbed my hair and wrapped it around the barrel without any tangling.

Did I mention it was easy to use?

Not only was it was it easy, I got a wonderful blowout. My hair was very smooth, shiny and it was easy to get both volume (by holding the brush at the roots) and pretty curled ends (by letting the brush spin for an extra few seconds at the ends). I love this!

And…the folks at Conair are partnering with me for a GIVEAWAY! One lucky reader is going to win both the 2in1 Brush and the Spin Air Brush!

How to enter: Send an email to me at ifeelpretty@comcast.net with a comment about any of 2011 posts. Put "Conair Giveaway" in the subject line; and put the post title (and your comment) in the body of the email. You have as many chances to win as I have posts (just send each one in a separate email).

I'll accept entries through Saturday, May 14 (11:59pm Eastern), and I’ll email the winner on Sunday, May 15. The winner will have 72 hours to respond. If no response, I’ll move to the next randomly selected person. U.S. residents only and GOOD LUCK!

Take a look at the website, and watch a how-to clip from the video gallery. You may want to visit the Mother's Day Collection while you’re there too.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)

May Monday Marvelousness: Lisa Price of Carol’s Daughter

Check out the message from Lisa Price of Carol’s Daughter. It’s a wonderful, heartfelt note (with some exciting beauty news)…

A Note from Carol's Daughter Founder Lisa Price

Carol’s Daughter began 18 years ago because my mother saw something in me I had not yet seen in myself and encouraged me to take my love for mixing fragrances and turn it into something bigger.

I want to thank you for being part of this amazing journey! “It takes a village” rings true and I have taken your suggestions and comments to heart by creating new products like our Goddess Flower & Orange Ambrosia Collections as well as our new Dry Oil Mists & Frappe Body Lotions. Over time, bottles will change to help you better apply product and new color-coded labels will help you quickly choose the right product.

On May 1st, I’m thrilled to introduce you to a haircare collection that harnesses the reparative powers of a sacred Tahitian ingredient called Monoi. With just one use, Monoi Repairing Collection makes hair stronger and live longer — in fact, breakage is reduced by a whopping 96%!

I am so happy to welcome three women who share my enthusiasm for loving the many textures and colors of hair. They join Mary J. Blige and Jada Pinkett-Smith, who epitomize Beauty By Nature in everything they do. Solange is a fiery spirit with the strongest code of loyalty and artistry; Selita has a heart of gold with an immense entrepreneurial drive and focus; and Cassie lives life to its fullest while staying true to her roots and family. We had the opportunity to come together and exchange hair stories & talk about our passions and what fuels them. Enjoy this glimpse of our conversation & I look forward to celebrating another 18 years with you!

Love,
Lisa

May Monday Marvelousness: Riley Keough and KeSARI, Sally Hershberger & Fekkai

Check out the Riley Keough’s gorgeous locks (look created by James Vides)…

Old Hollywood Comes to Tribeca

James Vides Created Luscious Locks for Riley Keough for the Premiere of The Good Doctor during the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival

Inspiration: Old Hollywood glamour with a youthful twist that exudes timeless elegance; A combination of jayne Mansfield and Marilyn Monroe

How To Get The Look: On wet hair, Vides began by applying KeSARI Indian Oil Hair Serum with Triphala Radiance™ Silk Complex to create a perfect shine and smooth hair out and applied Sally Hershberger Plump-Up Styler to create volume. Then, he created a deep side part and blow dried using a round brush. To create the luscious curls, he used a 1 inch barrel curling throughout the hair and let the hair cool. To secure the look, Vides sprayed Fekkai Coiff™ Sheer Hold Hairspray.

Indian Oil Hair Serum with Triphala Radiance™ Silk Complex ($31.50, available at KeSARIBeauty.com) Sally Hershberger Plump-Up Styler ($10.99, available at amazon.com) Fekkai Coiff™ Sheer Hold Hairspray ($24.00, available at Fekkai.com)

May Monday Marvelousness: Win Oprah Tickets – Andre Walker Hair Facebook Contest

Oh my goodness – a chance to win Oprah tickets!!!

Andre Walker Hair Facebook Contest
Offers Fans a Chance to Win Chicago’s Most Coveted Tickets

Andre Walker Hair, developed by Oprah’s personal stylist of 25 years, presents an invaluable opportunity to win two tickets to one of the very last Oprah Winfrey shows. The sweepstakes is open to the public and free to enter by visiting the Andre Walker Hair Facebook Page or at www.AndreWalkerHair.com. The winner will receive two tickets to “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” round-trip airfare for two to Chicago, two nights at a Chicago luxe hotel and a meet and greet with Andre Walker. Rules and regulations apply.

One winner will be randomly chosen for him and a guest to attend The Oprah Show. Subsequently, the winner will be announced on HSN during the next Andre Walker show. Entrants must be legal US residents and 18 years old to enter. Tickets must be redeemed by the deadline listed in the rules and regulations for travel before May 25th, 2011 or the last Oprah Winfrey Show. For more information on the Andre Walker Hair/HSN Sweepstakes, please visit http://www.andrewalkerhair.com.

Andre Walker Hair: Andre Walker Hair, launched in November 2010 by seven time Emmy winning stylist to Oprah Winfrey, offers a line of hair care products developed by the finest raw ingredients to nurture all hair types. The line, sold on HSN and www.AndreWalkerHair.com, consists of Total Keratin Obsession (TKO Deep Conditioning Pack), Keratin Shampoo and Condition, hair make-up and the star product Q-Oil Quench Essential Oil.

For more information, visit www.AndreWalkerHair.com.

May Monday Marvelousness: Celebrity Reds and Bigen

More validation – and an excellent product for keeping us…er…voluntary redheads…looking great.

Hollywood Hair is Red Hot!

Starlets Hayley Williams, Christina Hendricks, Rihanna and most recently Drew Barrymore have all been spotted sporting sexy scarlet locks this spring. From fiery rock star to boho babe or sexy throwback this head turning hair hue is easy to achieve.

Get the look without the commitment of traditional color, fear of harsh ingredients or spending big bucks at the salon with Bigen’s Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Intensive Red. Uniquely formulated with four natural moisturizers; honey, sunflower, beeswax and shea butter – these oil based nutrients provide a gentle dye treatment that enhances and refreshes natural color for stunning results. Ammonia and hydrogen peroxide free, Bigen Semi-Permanent Hair Color is always gentle and safe to use, even for chemically processed hair!

Bigen’s Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Intensive Red (SRP $4.99) is available at select beauty supply stores.